Maoist commander Chelluru Narayana Rao 'Somanna' surrenders in Vijayawada

VIJAYAWADA: Senior Maoist leader Chelluru Narayana Rao has surrendered to Andhra Pradesh Police in Vijayawada.Narayana Rao, a key member of the AOB State Committee, also served on the State Military Commission. He was the Commander of the 3rd Company of the Central Regional Committee (CRC) and, known by the alias Somanna, held several important roles in the banned People’s War group. He assumed leadership following the deaths of top Maoists Gazarla Ravi and Aruna in separate encounters in Alluri and Sitarama Raju districts.A native of Bathupuram village in Vajrapu Kothur mandal, Srikakulam district, Narayana Rao surrendered along with several other Maoists from the AOB Special Zonal, Area, and Divisional Committees. Weapons were reportedly handed over during the surrender.