New Delhi: The security forces on Tuesday eliminated a Maoist commander along with 13 other ultras on Chhattisgarh-Odisha border, dealing a huge blow to the group. Among the killed was Chalapathi, a Central Committee member of the group. He was carrying a bounty on Rs 1 crore on his head. So, who offers these bounties and how they differ from one Maoist to other?
The Chhattisgarh government has adopted a comprehensive bounty system, offering rewards ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore for the capture or neutralisation of Maoists. These bounties are categorised based on the rank and influence of the insurgents.
These leaders have been divided into various categories, with the highest rewards reserved for top-ranking members like Politburo leaders and Central Committee members. There are also rewards on lower-ranking members within the groups.
Bounty structure
The bounty system categorises Maoists based on their ranks and roles within the organisation, with Politburo members carrying the highest rewards of Rs 1–Rs 1.5 crore. Central Committee (CC) members have a Rs 1 crore bounty, while Special Zonal Committee members are valued at Rs 40–Rs 50 lakh. Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee members carry a reward of Rs 25 lakh, followed by Divisional Committee members at Rs 8 lakh. Area Committee members have a bounty of Rs 5 lakh, and Local Observation Squad members are valued between Rs 1–Rs 3 lakh. Chetna Natya Mandali leaders, often in supporting roles, carry a reward of Rs 1 lakh.
| Category | Bounty Amount (Rs) |
| Politburo Members | 1–1.5 crore |
| Central Committee Members (CC) | 1 crore |
| Special Zonal Committee Members | 40–50 lakh |
| Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee Members | 25 lakh |
| Divisional Committee Members | 8 lakh |
| Area Committee Members | 5 lakh |
| Local Observation Squad Members | 1–3 lakh |
| Chetna Natya Mandali Leaders | 1 lakh |
The classification help ensure that resources and efforts are directed towards dismantling the leadership structure of the Maoist groups. Since the start of 2025, over 50 Maoist being neutralised in encounters. Improved intelligence gathering and focused action plans are the major contributors to these encounters.
Union home minister Amit Shah has pledged to eliminate Maoism from India by 2026. The bounty system, along with continuous ground operations, is a critical part of this strategy. It not only incentivises action but also acts as a deterrent for those considering joining the insurgency.
