Vijayawada: Senior Maoist leader Chelluru Narayana Rao has surrendered before Andhra Pradesh Police in Vijayawada. Narayana Rao, a prominent 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 nickname Somanna, he played several important roles in the banned People’s War Group. He took over the leadership after the death of top Maoists Gajarla Ravi and Aruna in separate encounters in Alluri and Sitarama Raju districts. Narayana Rao, a native of Bathupuram village in Vajraphu Kothur mandal of Srikakulam district, surrendered along with several other Maoists from the AOB Special Zonal, Area and Divisional Committee. The weapons were reportedly handed over during the surrender.