Maoist Kotehonda Ravi, who had been with Naxal movement for 17 years, surrenders in Chikkamagaluru

Ravi claimed to joining the armed struggle about 16 years ago, as he was upset with the lack of basic amenities in his village. There was no power supply, and no road connectivity.

Kotehonda Ravi, 44, a native of Hulugarubailu in Sringeri taluk of Karnataka, who has been with the Naxal movement for the past 17 years, returned to the mainstream by surrendering before the Chikkamagaluru district administration on February 1.

Ravi surrendered before the district committee to oversee the rehabilitation of the left-wing extremists, headed by Chikkamagaluru Deputy Commissioner Meena Nagaraj. He has been active in the armed struggle since 2007 and allegedly participated in Naxal activities reported in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. He has been facing 13 cases in Chikkamagaluru district alone.

Meena Nagaraj, the DC, said that as per the surrender policy, Ravi comes under the ‘A’ category Maoist, considering the seriousness of cases he had been facing. He is entitled to a package of ₹7.5 lakh.

“At the time of surrender, he will get an initial installment of ₹3 lakh. The remaining amount would be released in a phased manner. If he wishes to undergo any training to improve his skills, the government would provide a stipend of ₹5,000 a month,” he said.

Chikkamagaluru Superintendent of Police Vikram Amathe said Ravi would undergo a medical test. There are 27 cases against him. He would face the legal process.

Zilla Panchayat CEO H.S. Keerthana, member of the State committee K.P. Sripal, representatives of Shantigagi Nagarikara Vedike K.L. Ashok, V.S. Sridhar, and Nagaragere Ramesh were among those present when the Naxal surrendered.

Kotehonda Ravi was part of the Maoist group that was active until recently. He was separated from the group recently. The remaining six people returned to the mainstream in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on January 8. With the return of Kotehonda Ravi, according to the police, all active Maoists have returned to the mainstream.