Karnataka Declared Naxal-Free Following Surrender

In a significant development, Kotehonda Ravindra, a prominent Naxalite, surrendered to authorities in Chikkamagaluru, marking Karnataka as Naxal-free. With the aid of a new surrender policy, Ravindra will receive financial assistance and skill training. His surrender closes 21 years of insurgency involvement across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

A prominent Naxalite, Kotehonda Ravindra, has surrendered to police in Chikkamagaluru, making Karnataka officially Naxal-free. Police Superintendent Vikram Amathe confirmed the development to PTI, highlighting the surrender as a significant achievement for state security.

Ravindra, labeled under the 'A' category in the new Surrender Policy, will benefit from a government package including Rs 7.5 lakh and optional skill training with a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000. He has 27 registered cases against him, with 13 in Chikkamagaluru alone.

Ravindra's decision follows the surrender of 21 other Naxalites in the state, underscoring a shift towards peace after years of underground activities in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu since 2007. The surrender ceremony saw attendance from key officials, including Deputy Commissioner Meena Nagaraj.