In a major setback to Left-Wing Extremism, senior CPI (Maoist) Politburo member Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Sonu, surrendered along with 60 Maoist cadres at the Gadchiroli Police Headquarters in Maharashtra, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The surrender is being seen as a significant step toward peace efforts and de-escalation of violence in Maoist-affected regions.

Rao, considered one of the top leaders of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), laid down arms on Tuesday and expressed readiness for formal peace talks with the government. He requested a one-month ceasefire window to consult with party cadres across multiple states and jails.

“I am laying down weapons and will now be part of movements working for the oppressed in India,” Rao said in a statement. “Since March 2

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