Kerala free from Maoist threat; State’s name no longer on Central list

KOCHI: Kerala is now free from Maoist and Naxalite threats due to the strong actions of security forces. The state is no longer listed by the central government as facing a Naxalite threat. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is still handling five cases related to Maoist activities in Kerala.

Previously, Maoist activity was concentrated in the forest areas of Wayanad, Kozhikode, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts, with Wayanad being the most affected. These activities significantly declined after strict measures by state special forces and central agencies.

The Maoist group ‘Bhavani dhalam’ was dismantled after six of its members were killed. Key leaders like Kuppu Devaraj, who was responsible for organizing operations in Kerala, were eliminated. Several others, including Ajitha, Velmurugan, Rema, Karthik, CP Jaleel and Aravind, were killed, while individuals like Rajan Chittilapally, Shobha, Deepak, Manoj, Babu Ibrahim, Kanyakumari

and Roopesh were arrested. The lack of coordination and new recruits further weakened the organization.

Urban Maoist sympathizers also withdrew due to continuous raids and arrests. Security agencies report that even sporadic Maoist appearances in Wayanad have ceased.

Across India, the influence of Naxalism has decreased. According to the Union Home Ministry, districts affected by Naxalism have dropped from 38 to 18, with districts facing severe issues of Naxalism reducing from 12 to 6. The central government aims to eliminate Naxalism entirely by April 2026.

NIA cases:

Edakkara weapons training: Involving B.G. Krishnamurthy, Savithri, Raghavendra, and 20 others.

Thalappuzha shooting: With accused Chandru, Unnimaya, Sundari, and Latha.

Wayanad KFDC attack: Accused include Moideen, Santosh, Soman, and Manoj.

Maoist recruitment: Involving Sanjay Deepak Rao, Pinaka Pani, and Varalakshmi.

Kozhikode case: Involving Alan, Thaha, and others.