Tarakka's surrender before CM Fadnavis big blow to Naxal movement

Mumbai: With Vimala Chandra Sidam alias Tarakka laying down arms and joining the mainstream comes a strong message against the Naxal movement and signifies the losing recruitment base of the Maoist outlaws in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.

Tarakka (62) was among the 11 Naxalites, who surrendered before Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday.

Tarakka is the wife of Communist Party of India (Maoist)’s central committee member Bhupathi alias Sonu alias Venugopal alias Mallojula Venugopal.

Tarakka joined the Naxal movement as a local squad member in 1986 and climbed ranks over 38 years to become a Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee member, participating in 35 encounters with security personnel.

Tarakka was wanted in 66 offences and carried a reward of Rs 25 lakh on her head, officials of the Gadchiroli police said on Wednesday.

After joining Aheri Dalam in 1983, Tarakka was transferred to Perimili Dalam in 1987 and rose to become an Area Commander and Deputy Commander.

She was promoted as the Commander of Bhamragad LOS in 1996 and worked as Action Committee Secretary in the Bhamragad area till 2006, the Gadchiroli Police stated in a release.

Tarakka was promoted to Divisional Committee as its member in the south Gadchiroli division of Maoists in 2006 and worked there till 2010.

In September 2024, Tarakka was made a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee and worked as the in-charge of its medical team before surrendering.