Senior Maoist commander Barse Deva surrendered in Telangana on January 1, 2026, marking a major setback for the group.

Senior Maoist commander Barse Deva, also known as Sainath, surrendered in Telangana on January 1, 2026, becoming one of the highest-ranking defectors from the CPI-Maoist in recent years. He led Battalion Number 1, the group’s last core fighting unit, and was a close associate of Madvi Hidma, killed in November 2025. Deva, along with 15 to 17 cadres, crossed from Chhattisgarh into Telangana and handed over weapons, including a Light Machine Gun. His surrender, confirmed by Telangana Police, is seen as a major blow to the Maoist movement, which has seen declining numbers amid sustained counter-insurgency efforts. Officials believe more cadres may follow.