Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh
Under Madhya Pradesh’s Naxalite Surrender, Rehabilitation and Relief Policy 2023, a former Maoist from Maharashtra has been allowed to return to his home state. Rakesh Odi alias Manish, 42, a resident of Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra, has been sent back to his home state following his surrender. On Wednesday night, Balaghat Police left for Maharashtra with Rakesh.
Rakesh is the first among the 13 Maoists who surrendered before Balaghat Police to be given the opportunity to return to his native state and start a new life under Madhya Pradesh’s rehabilitation policy.
Rakesh Held the S Zonal Committee Member Position in Maoist Organization
Rakesh is a resident of Jhandepar village under Korchi police station limits in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district. He was active in the Maoist organization as an S Zonal Committee Member (SZCM). After remaining associated with the organization for a long period, he surrendered before Balaghat Police on December 7, 2025, and gave up his weapons.
Following his surrender, Rakesh expressed his desire to return to his native village and live there. He said he wanted to abandon the path of violence and begin a normal life with his family and community.
Balaghat Police subsequently initiated the rehabilitation process. The necessary legal formalities were completed and documents related to his rehabilitation were prepared. As part of this process, arrangements were made to send him back to his home state of Maharashtra.
Transfer to Maharashtra Following Central Government Directions
The process of transferring Rakesh from Madhya Pradesh to Maharashtra was completed based on directions from the Central Government. The transfer was carried out in accordance with directions issued at a meeting held in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, in May 2025, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
On Wednesday night, Balaghat Police departed for Maharashtra with Rakesh. He will be handed over to the Maharashtra Police, after which he will be able to return to his native village, Jhandepar.
Focus on Rehabilitation After Surrender
Madhya Pradesh’s Naxalite Surrender, Rehabilitation and Relief Policy 2023 aims to provide surrendered Maoists with an opportunity to abandon violence and return to mainstream society. The policy emphasizes rehabilitation and helping former insurgents rebuild their lives after surrender.
Rakesh is the first beneficiary of the policy to receive an opportunity to return to his native state. His return home is being viewed as an important step in the rehabilitation process following surrender.
The action taken by Balaghat Police also demonstrates that, following surrender, arrangements can be made to facilitate a person’s return to their home region in accordance with their wishes and applicable legal procedures. Rakesh will now return to his village and begin a normal life away from violence.
