Ganapathi believed to be in Nepal as son appeals for surrender
HYDERABAD: Muppala Lakshman Rao, alias Ganapathi, one of India’s most wanted Maoist leaders, is believed to be in Nepal, according to police sources. The development comes amid renewed efforts to trace him following an emotional public appeal by his son Srinivasa Rao.
Nine days ago, Srinivasa Rao released an audio message from his hometown Beerapur in Jagtial district, urging his father to surrender. “Daddy, since I opened my eyes, I have never seen or spoken to you, not even on the phone,” he said, breaking down during the message. He added that villagers were waiting for Ganapathi’s return and said he would request the government to withdraw cases against him.
Health concerns and foreign movement raise tracking urgency
Ganapathi, 77, is reported to be suffering from serious health issues. Police sources said he had earlier travelled to the Philippines for medical treatment and later established links with groups operating across Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and other regions.
He is believed to have stayed in interior villages of Nepal for nearly 24 months. His current location remains unconfirmed, but officials say the chances of tracing him have improved after his son’s appeal.
No contact with family, cadres since resignation in 2018
Ganapathi was last seen years ago with his wife Jayde Ratna Bai, alias Sujatha, whose whereabouts are also unknown. In 2018, he reportedly resigned as general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) citing health reasons.
Since then, he has cut off communication with family members, including his wife, brother Ramachandra Rao, and senior Maoist cadres. Recently surrendered leaders, including Thippiri Tirupati alias Devji and Malla Rajireddy alias Sangram, told authorities they had no information about his location.
Centre pushes for surrender to conclude anti-Maoist operations
The Union home ministry is said to be keen on securing Ganapathi’s surrender as part of concluding “Operation Kagar”. Intelligence agencies, including the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) and central agencies, have appealed to him through family members and local villagers.
“We are sure that Ganapathi will surrender as he has no other option,” a senior officer said.
Ganapathi was born in Beerapur on June 16, 1949. The first case against him dates back to 1976, when he was accused of killing a zamindar, Pitambara Rao, in Tabalapur. He later rose within the People’s War Group (PWG), earning the alias “Ganapathi” for his role in its expansion.
