Top Maoist Commander Barse Deva Surrenders, Major Blow to PLGA

• Top Maoist leader Barse Deva alias Sukka, PLGA Battalion No. 1 Commander, surrendered to Telangana police in Hyderabad.
• Barse Deva, a key aide of Hidma and mastermind of many attacks, had a Rs. 50 lakh reward on his head.
• Reasons for surrender include Telangana's rehabilitation policy, ill health, internal conflicts, and fear of encounters.
• He surrendered sophisticated weapons like a mountain LMG; several other Maoists also joined him.
• Police view this as an irreparable blow to the Maoist military wing, demoralizing cadre and weakening their movement.

Why It Matters: Top Maoist commander's surrender, driven by Telangana's policy, deals a severe blow to the movement.