Top Maoist leader surrenders with 60 cadres in Maharashtra
CPI (Maoist) politburo member Mallojula Venugopal Rao, aka Sonu, surrendered in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli with around 60 cadres on Tuesday. His exit is seen as a major blow to the Maoist movement, reflecting a shift away from violence. Officials said it could strengthen peace efforts and rehabilitation while deepening divisions within the CPI (Maoist) hierarchy.