Telangana issues Aadhaar to surrendered Maoists
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Police have begun issuing Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, voter identity cards and bank accounts to Maoists who surrendered under the government’s rehabilitation programme, enabling direct transfer of reward money announced on them.
Rewards credited to personal accounts
The move follows a surge in surrenders after Operation Kagar, with police sources saying armed cadres fatigued by prolonged conflict in the Dandakaranya region have been returning to civilian life. While reward cheques were handed over earlier, officials found many surrendering Maoists did not have bank accounts to encash them.
To ensure each individual receives the reward amount declared on them, the police launched a fast-track documentation drive in 2025, covering surrenders between January and December.
Old school records traced
As part of the exercise, officials traced school records dating back nearly 50 years to obtain bonafide certificates. These were used to secure caste and residence certificates, followed by Aadhaar, PAN and voter identity cards. Bank accounts were then opened, and rehabilitation cheques deposited directly.
700 beneficiaries, ₹10 crore credited
The process is being coordinated by the Special Intelligence Bureau on the instructions of Shiva Dhar Reddy, senior police officials said. So far, around 700 former Maoists have been provided Aadhaar, PAN, voter cards and bank accounts. More than ₹10 crore has been credited to their accounts.
Several senior Maoist leaders from the erstwhile Karimnagar region, including Muppalla Lakshman Rao, Kankanala Rajireddy and Pulluri Prasad Rao, have surrendered in recent months. Police said dwindling public support for the movement and intensified operations by the Centre prompted many to reconsider armed struggle.
