'Counter-revolutionary activities': Maoists expel top leaders after 61 surrenders
The banned CPI (Maoist) just expelled top leaders like Bhupathi, Vivek, and Deepa after 61 members surrendered to police in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli on October 15, 2024.
The party called these moves "party-breaking acts" and warned against more "counter-revolutionary activities," but also left the door open for those who want to return.
Similar defection in Chhattisgarh earlier last year
This wave of surrenders—led by Bhupathi handing over 50 weapons—follows a similar defection of 210 fighters in Chhattisgarh earlier last year.
Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called it "the beginning of the end" for Naxalism, as over 1,200 Maoists have surrendered and 680 have been arrested since early 2024.
Analysts say these purges show the group is losing unity and strength as government pressure ramps up.