A civic group has surrendered to Maoist Kotehonda Ravindra in deteriorating health and is seeking government intervention

The Citizens’ Initiative for Peace in Bengaluru is urging the Karnataka government to immediately initiate steps to ensure the resettlement of surrendered Maoist Kotehonda Ravindra, who is currently “critically ill” and undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit.

KP Sripal, a defense lawyer who was among those who brokered the surrender of the Maoists and their return to the mainstream last year, said Mr. Ravindra was lodged in the Keralam jail in connection with the National Investigation Agency case. He said Mr. Ravindra staged a protest and went on a hunger strike in Bengaluru jail. “He also suffered a stroke. He did not even meet the people who visited him in prison. Subsequently, special arrangements were made for his family to meet him in prison,” he said. Months later he was transferred to Keralam.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group said Mr Ravindra’s health had seriously deteriorated and he was currently in ICU. He further alleged that the state government has not fulfilled its assurances made during their surrender regarding release and rehabilitation.

On 8 January 2025, six Maoists, besides Mr. Ravindra, surrendered in the presence of the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru. A few days later, in February 2025, Mr. Ravindra also surrendered and returned to the mainstream. But 20 months later, after the now chief minister came to power, the surrendered Maoists are still waiting for government assurances that they will be rehabilitated and allowed to reintegrate into society.

The group is urging the state government to coordinate with the Kerala government to speed up disposal of the cases registered against Mr. Ravindra there. She also called for legal aid, access to medical treatment and family visits, along with transparency regarding his medical condition.

The group said the government must honor its commitments to other surrendered Maoists and take steps to ensure their rehabilitation.

Published – 13 October 2026 21:40 IST