Nagpur, Sept. 2 -- Gondwana University in Maharashtra on Monday appointed former CPI (Maoist) politburo member and key strategist Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Bhupathi, as a coordinator for its 'Ekal' programme scheme, which is tasked to empower Gram Sabhas. The initiative, university officials said, is a significant move towards mainstream rehabilitation and tribal empowerment.

Bhupathi, 71, operated across the Dandakaranya region spanning Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Odisha. He surrendered last year alongside 60 armed Maoist before the Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. He had a combined bounty of Rs.6 crore across six states and was long regarded as one of the outlawed movement's top strategists.

His appoint...