Last Maoist leader on party's central committee surrenders

India Feb 24, 2026

After spending over four decades underground, Thippiri Tirupati—better known as Devuji and a key leader of the banned CPI (Maoist)—surrendered before Telangana police on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
He was joined by fellow senior member Malla Raji Reddy and two others, ending a long chapter of evasion.

Devuji's surrender marks end of an era

Devuji's surrender is a big deal for both law enforcement and the Maoist movement. Due to health reasons, he said he now wants to take part in legal politics instead.
His exit leaves only one active member on the party's Central Committee, highlighting deep internal rifts and a wave of recent surrenders.
Telangana's push for rehabilitation is gaining momentum, especially with the government aiming to end Naxalism.