Hyderabad, January 2: In a major development, Barse Deva, a senior commander of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1, has surrendered before the Telangana Director General of Police, B. Shivadhar Reddy. The PLGA Battalion No. 1 is known as one of the most lethal factions of the Maoist movement.

Deva, a key figure in the Maoist military structure, has been linked to several deadly ambushes in the Dandakaranya forest region and is a wanted man with a substantial bounty on his head. His decision to lay down arms represents a major blow to the military capabilities of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist).

His surrender is seen as a strategic triumph for the security forces, as he led the elite combat unit of the Maoists. By opting for a peaceful life, Deva has dealt a critical blow to the Maoist forces operating along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border.

The Telangana state government has hailed this event as proof of the success of its rehabilitation policies and is encouraging other Maoist members to abandon violence and reintegrate into society. Notably, 509 Maoist cadres had surrendered in Telangana in 2025 alone.

As part of the state's rehabilitation program, Barse Deva will receive immediate financial aid, medical assistance, and support for his reintegration into civilian life. The police have ensured his safety, recognizing that his defection may expose him to possible retribution from Maoist factions.

Barse Deva hails from Puvarti village in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, the same area where notorious Maoist commander Hidma originated.