Hyderabad, Jan. 3 -- In a major development, 20 Maoists, including commander Badse Sukka alias Deva and SCM Kankanala Raji Reddy alias Venkatesh, surrendered before Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) Shivadhar Reddy on Saturday, January 3.

Deva, who headed Battalion No 1 of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), is considered the second most important leader. He carried a bounty of Rs 75,00,000.

The 49-year-old joined the Maoist movement in 2003 and was elevated to senior ranks. Nearly 20 years ago, he was chosen to lead the battalion by slain leader Madavi Hiduma, who was killed in an encounter in November last year.

Deva's surrender is viewed as a major strategic victory for security forces, as he commanded the most e...