Senior Naxalite Bhupathi Surrenders | 18 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

In a remarkable move towards rehabilitation, Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL), a company based in Gadchiroli, has extended an offer to employ Bhupathi as its brand ambassador and to provide jobs to the 60 surrendered Maoists. 

Key Points 

• About: Bhupathi, who carried a bounty of Rs 6 crore, along with 60 cadres, surrendered with 54 weapons, including seven AK-47s and nine INSAS rifles. 
  • Bhupathi, one of the most influential strategists in the Maoist organization, had supervised platoon operations along the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border. 
  • Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged the remaining Naxalites to surrender voluntarily or face police action, adding that Gadchiroli's efforts were setting a precedent for the rest of the country. 
• LMEL's Offer: The company plans to provide jobs to the surrendered individuals based on their skills and education, once they receive the necessary no-objection certificate (NOC) from the government.  
  • Specifically, Bhupathi is being considered to promote the message of development in the region. 
• Rehabilitation Process: The surrendered Maoists will undergo a rehabilitation process, including interrogation, training camps, and employment preparation. 
• Significance: This initiative represents a significant shift for Gadchiroli, which was previously known for its Maoist activity, signaling a move toward peaceful reintegration and socio-economic development in the region.