Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Ex-Maoist Leader Bhupathi Takes New Tribal Rights Role
Bhupathi was once a Maoist commander who used guns and lived underground.
He surrendered and gave up that path last year.
Now he has a job helping tribal villagers understand and secure their legal rights.
The job is with Gondwana University’s Ekal programme in Gadchiroli.
He will mainly help with administrative work.
His contract will last three months.
He will receive Rs 30,000 each month.
Officials said his experience working in the field helped him get the role.
Surrendered Maoist leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao, known as Bhupathi, has joined a university programme in Gadchiroli.
He will coordinate administrative work connected to tribal villagers’ legal rights.
Gondwana University appointed him to a three-month contract under its Ekal programme.
Bhupathi will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 30,000.
Gadchiroli SP M. Ramesh said Bhupathi applied for the job because of his field experience and knowledge.
- Who
- Surrendered Maoist leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao, also known as Bhupathi.
- What
- He was appointed coordinator for Gondwana University’s Ekal programme to handle administrative work related to tribal villagers’ rights.
- When
- He surrendered and laid down his arms last year; officials announced the appointment on Tuesday.
- Where
- Gadchiroli, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Officials said his field-level experience and knowledge made him suitable for the role, and he had applied for employment.
- Appointment
- Coordinator for Gondwana University’s Ekal programme
- Contract length
- Three months
- Monthly honorarium
- Rs 30,000
- Primary work
- Administrative work linked to tribal villagers’ legal rights
- Former identity
- Maoist leader and Naxal commander
- Surrender
- Bhupathi laid down his arms last year
- Official source
- Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police M. Ramesh