Maoists – Sixteen Insurgents Surrender Before Jharkhand Police in Major Security Breakthrough
Maoists –Jharkhand Police achieved a major success in their ongoing campaign against Left-wing extremism after 16 Maoist cadres, including several senior members with substantial cash rewards, surrendered along with a large cache of weapons on Tuesday.
The surrender marks an important development in the state’s efforts to weaken the operational network of the banned CPI (Maoist). According to police officials, six of those who surrendered had a combined reward of Rs 39 lakh announced for their capture. The group also included five women cadres and members holding positions at different levels of the outlawed organization.
Senior Maoist Leader Among Those Who Surrendered
The most prominent among those surrendering was Santosh Mahto, also known by the aliases Basudev Da and Dilip. Police identified him as a regional committee member of the banned CPI (Maoist), carrying a reward of Rs 15 lakh. Officials said he had been named in 128 criminal cases registered across multiple districts of Jharkhand.
Authorities described his surrender as a significant achievement for the state police. Investigators have linked him to several incidents connected with Maoist activities over the years, including an improvised explosive device (IED) blast that took place on March 1 in a forested region falling under the jurisdiction of the Manoharpur, Chotnagar, and Jhariakela police station areas. The explosion reportedly injured a Cobra battalion personnel.
Police Reaffirm Commitment Against Extremism
During the surrender event, senior officials reiterated the state’s commitment to continuing operations against extremist groups. They stated that the police remain focused on reducing violence and strengthening law and order across Jharkhand.
Officials said the administration is determined to eliminate extremist activities and criminal networks through sustained security operations and rehabilitation measures for those willing to abandon violence.
Other Key Maoist Functionaries Give Up Arms
Among the other notable surrenders was Chandan Lohra, a zonal committee member of the banned organization. Police said he faced 78 criminal cases and carried a reward of Rs 10 lakh.
The group also included sub-zonal committee members Anil Turi, also known as Ujjwal, and Sukhlal Birjiyan, alias Akela. Both had rewards of Rs 5 lakh each.
Additionally, area committee members Sudesh Honhaga, also known as Sonaram Honhaga, and Risiv, each carrying rewards of Rs 2 lakh, surrendered before the authorities. Another zonal committee member, Santosh Manjhi, alias Jagabandhu, was also among those who laid down arms.
Police officials noted that the presence of senior and mid-level functionaries among the surrendering group is expected to weaken the organizational structure of the banned outfit in several affected regions.
Weapons and Ammunition Handed Over
Along with surrendering, the former insurgents deposited a considerable quantity of arms and ammunition. According to the police, the surrendered weapons included six INSAS rifles and two AK-47 assault rifles.
Security personnel also recovered 38 magazines and 1,562 live cartridges from the group. Officials said the seizure would help reduce the operational capability of Maoist units active in forested areas of the state.
Anti-Maoist Campaign Continues Across the State
Jharkhand Police stated that security operations against Maoist groups have continued throughout 2026 with consistent action across affected districts. According to official figures released by the department, 93 Maoist members have been arrested this year, while 45 have voluntarily surrendered before the police.
The authorities also reported that 22 Maoists have been killed during encounters with security forces in separate operations conducted across the state. Officials believe that the latest surrender reflects the growing impact of sustained security measures and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at encouraging militants to rejoin mainstream society.