Karnataka Declared Naxal-Free After Final Surrender

In a significant development, Karnataka has been declared free of Naxalite presence following the surrender of Kotehonda Ravindra, a prominent Naxalite operative. Ravindra, 44, a resident of Kotehonda in Hulagaru Bail near Kigga, Sringeri Taluk, had been active in Naxal activities across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu since 2007.

On February 1, 2025, Ravindra surrendered to Chikkamagaluru Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikram Amathe. Following his surrender, he was presented before Deputy Commissioner Meena Nagaraj to complete the formalities. SP Amathe stated, "With this surrender, Karnataka is now Naxal-free."

Ravindra is classified as an 'A' category Naxal under the state's Surrender Policy, which came into effect on March 14, 2024. As part of the rehabilitation package, he will receive ₹7.5 lakh from the government. Additionally, if he opts for skill development, he will be provided with training and a monthly stipend of ₹5,000.

There are 27 cases registered against Ravindra, with 13 in Chikkamagaluru district alone. His surrender marks the 21st by a Naxalite in Karnataka, underscoring the state's efforts to address insurgent activities.

The surrender and rehabilitation process was overseen by officials including Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer H.S. Keerthana and Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Committee member K.P. Shripal.

This event signifies a pivotal moment in Karnataka's history, as the state moves forward from decades of Naxalite influence, aiming for sustained peace and development.