PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Sept 25: In a significant blow to Maoist activities in Jharkhand, 10 active cadres of the banned Maoist organisation (CPI-Maoist) operating in the Kolhan and Saranda region surrendered before Jharkhand Police and CRPF on Thursday.
The surrender comes under the state government’s “Naxal Aatmsamarpan Evam Punarwas Niti” (Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy).
The rebels surrendered with firearms at a function in Chaibasa Police Line.
The Director General of Police, Jharkhand, said the operation was a result of sustained pressure by Jharkhand Police, Cobra battalion, Jharkhand Jaguars, and CRPF units deployed in Kolhan. Continuous anti-Maoist campaigns and government rehabilitation initiatives have encouraged extremists to return to the mainstream.
The Surrender
On September 25, 10 Maoist cadres surrendered before the DGP of Jharkhand Police and CRPF officials.
Those who laid down arms were involved in multiple criminal cases, including murder, extortion, and attacks on security forces.
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Among the surrendered Maoists were:
Raja Bhuiyan alias Kranti of Goilkera, West Singhbhum, wanted in multiple cases.
Gadi Kadi of Chaibasa, accused in several police station cases under UAPA and IPC sections.
Janam Danga alias Janam Puriya of Tonto, West Singhbhum.
Nirmal Singh alias Aaya of Chaibasa.
Chhote Devram of Rajanpura, West Singhbhum.
Gomna Kandi alias Rajaram of Rajugaon, West Singhbhum.
Kalu Kandi alias Sudhir of Tonto, Chaibasa.
Kari Karam alias Gulabi of Angardih, Chaibasa.
Santosh Gagrai alias Muru of Goyalkera, West Singhbhum.
Pradeep Singh alias Pudu Singh of Tamar, Ranchi.
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Police Speak
Police officials said the surrender reflects the success of Jharkhand’s rehabilitation policy, which offers financial aid, skill training, and opportunities for surrendered extremists to reintegrate into society.
“Their decision to surrender is a message to others still in the forests. We appeal to all remaining Maoists to give up violence and join the mainstream to build a peaceful and developed Jharkhand,” the police spokesperson said.
The surrendered cadres will be provided benefits under the rehabilitation scheme, including vocational support to rebuild their lives.
Background of Maoist Activities in Saranda
Saranda and adjoining areas of Kolhan have long remained a Maoist stronghold. Leaders of the CPI (Maoist) Eastern Regional Bureau (ERB), including senior commanders like Misir Besra, Pratibha Mahato, Anmol, Mahendra Mohan, and others, were directing operations in the region.
However, intensified security operations and welfare schemes in tribal villages have significantly weakened their influence.
Since 2022, security forces have destroyed several Maoist hideouts, seized explosives, and busted camps. In West Singhbhum district alone, more than 9,600 operations have been conducted in the past three years, breaking the Maoist network.
