Babu Kawasi, a long-time personal guard to top Maoist leaders, including the recently deceased Basavaraju, has surrendered to authorities, citing a primary reason: the fear of death. This surrender highlights the increasing pressure on Maoist insurgents as security forces intensify their anti-Naxal operations in the dense forests of Bastar and Abujhmad.
For over a decade, Kawasi served as a close aide to some of the most wanted Naxalite leaders, first with Ganapati and later with Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju. He operated within the CPI (Maoist), a banned organization that has been engaged in a protracted conflict with the Indian state. Basavaraju, who was the General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist) since 2018, was killed in a major encounter in the Kilakot hills of Maad on May 21, 2025. His death has been described by officials as a watershed moment and a critical juncture in India’s fight against Maoist insurgency, as he was the highest-ranking leader to be killed in action.
Kawasi's decision to surrender underscores the impact of these intensified operations. He revealed that the relentless anti-Naxal efforts have made the jungle increasingly unsafe, with encounters occurring almost weekly. This constant threat to life has created an environment of fear and uncertainty among the Maoist cadres. Speaking to NDTV, Kawasi urged those still within the organization to leave before it is too late, stating that "the people are not supporting us anymore".
Several factors contribute to the growing disillusionment within the Maoist ranks. The government's 'Niya Nellanar' (Your Good Village) initiative, which focuses on providing basic amenities and developmental works in remote areas, has also played a significant role. Cadres are also disappointed with the "inhuman" Maoist ideology, atrocities on local tribals, and growing differences within the outfit. The lack of strong leadership, the absence of young leaders, and the reduction in recruitment are also major factors. The resentment among lower and middle-rung cadres against their leadership has also grown during the recent years.
The recent successes of security forces have further demoralized the Maoists. In addition to the death of Basavaraju, a number of Maoists have been killed in encounters in recent months. Furthermore, a large number of surrenders have been reported, indicating a weakening of the Maoist movement. The central committee (CC) of the CPI (Maoist) has been reduced to its lowest strength ever, with only 18 members.
The surrender of Babu Kawasi and others reflects a larger trend of increasing surrenders driven by the fear of death and a growing sense of hopelessness within the Maoist ranks. As the state continues its operations and development initiatives, the Maoist insurgency faces an uncertain future.
