A former Maoist — who had surrendered earlier this year — allegedly hanged himself in a government rehabilitation facility in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur on Wednesday (October 21, 2026), said a senior police officer.
The reason behind the alleged step is not yet known.
The 26-year-old deceased Narsu Boddu took the alleged step exactly a week before he was due to complete his vocational training in agriculture as part of the government’s initiative to assist such surrendered Maoists in reintegration and achieving financial self dependence.
Before his surrender in February 2024, Boddu was a section deputy commander rank Maoist before his surrender along with other Maoists this February, said Superintendent of Police (Bijapur) Umesh Prasad Gupta.
“Around 7 a.m., fellow surrendered Maoists in the facility informed the police that Baddu was found dead in one of the bathrooms. We sent the body for post-mortem and are investigating further. Forensic teams also visited the spot,” said Mr. Gupta.
No note was found from the step. Asked if there was any history of confrontation with fellow inmates or any other history of illness, the SP replied that neither was the case. “Further probe is on,” he added.
Boddu had been lodged in the rehabilitation facility, one of the multiple such centres in different districts of the Bastar region where several waves of surrenders have happened since early 2025, since July 23 this year.
“Boddu is survived by his father, wife and two children. His mother and brother died by suicide in the past,” according to the police.
The Centre had set a deadline of March 31 this year for the elimination of Maoism from the country, following which Union Home Minister Amit Shah had declared the country free from Maoism.
Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling any of the following numbers:
Published – October 22, 2026 02:55 am IST
