SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Sept 28: A notorious Naxal from Giridih, Ramdayal Mahto, who had a bounty of ₹10 lakh on his head, surrendered today before the DIG of Hazaribagh and the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Giridih. His decision was influenced by the government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.
Ramdayal Mahto, also known by aliases Bachhan Daa, Nilesh Daa, and Amar Daa, hails from the Pirtand block of Giridih. He faced 54 cases across various police stations and was among the most wanted Naxals (Maoists) in the region.
Police officials remarked that Mahto’s surrender would significantly alter Naxal activities in the Giridih, Bokaro, and Dhanbad areas.
“Since he was a member of the zonal committee, other Naxals across the state will be encouraged to surrender, leading to a reduction in Naxal-related incidents in Jharkhand,” an official stated.
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Background of Ramdayal Mahto
Senior police officials said that Mahto was involved in numerous Naxal incidents in both Jharkhand and Bihar.
His notorious acts include the bombing of the Topchachi police station in Dhanbad and the theft of 7-8 SLR firearms. In 2022, he was implicated in the murder of Aslam Ansari, the deputy village chief of Taliyabahiyar village under Dumri police station in Giridih.
According to police records, Mahto was wanted in Jharkhand for a considerable time, with 43 cases pending in various police stations in Giridih district and 11 in Dhanbad district.
Mahto, a matriculate, was selected for the Bihar Military Police (BMP) and was posted at Danapur Cantt in 1971-72 but did not join due to an epidemic at that time.
In 1989-90, he was influenced by the slogans of the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) and joined the Kisan Committee, a movement advocating for land rights in the local area. By 1996-97, he had risen to the position of leader of the Kisan Committee.
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Reasons for surrender
It is said that Mahto opposed the extortion practices by other committee members and distanced himself from such activities, citing old age.
However, during a meeting on February 1, 2024, at the Chhalchhalba Jharna committee, his suggestions were rejected by fellow members, which deeply affected him and motivated his decision to rejoin mainstream society.
Ultimately, fearing capture by the police, Ramdayal Mahto chose to surrender.