In a major breakthrough in Chhattisgarh’s anti-Naxal efforts, a former contractual teacher and his wife—both long-time members of the banned CPI (Maoist)—surrendered to police in Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district, around 140 km from Raipur.
Jeevam Tulavi (48), once a shiksha-karmi from Parvidih village, and his wife Aarti Korram (39), alias Agasha, had been active in the Maoist movement since 2000. Tulavi rose through the ranks to become a Divisional Committee Member and a trained cadre in the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA). He was instrumental in promoting Maoist ideology across multiple regions through the Mobile Political School, particularly in districts like Narayanpur, Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, and Rajnandgaon.
Aarti Korram, meanwhile, headed the Maoists' cultural wing—Chetna Natya Mandli (CNM). Known for her skills as a poet, singer, speaker, and lyricist, she also served as an Area Committee Member and was responsible for drafting press releases and shaping propaganda narratives for the group.
Both carried a bounty of ₹8 lakh and were considered key figures in the Maoist indoctrination machinery. According to police, the couple surrendered after losing faith in the Maoist movement, calling its ideology “hollow” and “anti-development.” They expressed a desire to return to a peaceful civilian life.
Under the state’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, the couple received an initial assistance of ₹50,000 each, with additional support assured.
Inspector General Abhishek Shandilya (Rajnandgaon range) welcomed the surrender and called on other Maoists to lay down arms, assuring them of full rehabilitation and reintegration into mainstream society.
This surrender marks a symbolic blow to the Maoist propaganda apparatus and reflects the growing disillusionment within its ranks.