Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Sep 23: Three senior commanders of the banned CPI (Maoist) surrendered before police in West Bengal's Bankura district on Wednesday, returning to mainstream life under the state government's surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy.
The surrendered leaders were identified as Jaba Mahato, Nayantara Sahu and Ramprasad Mandi. They formally surrendered before the West Zone ADG and handed over three firearms, including an AK-47.
Police records show that more than 75 serious criminal cases are registered against the trio, including cases related to murder and offences under the Arms and Explosives Act. West Zone ADG Anand Kumar, however, said there were more than 80 cases against them.
The three had operated under different pseudonyms and were active across Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore in West Bengal, besides Jharkhand's East Singhbhum region.
Bankura Superintendent of Police PVG Satish had recently led a special operation in which a large cache of weapons was recovered from Maoist strongholds. Officials said the continued success of such operations contributed to creating conditions for Wednesday's surrender.
"Three top Maoist leaders have surrendered under the Surrender Cum Rehabilitation Act of the West Bengal government. There are more than eighty cases against them. Three types of firearms, including AK-47s, were recovered. Action will follow as per government rules," Anand Kumar said.
Ramprasad Mandi, alias Sachin, said the circumstances that had earlier prompted them to take up arms no longer existed.
"We have not found any other issue to take up arms. The current government is doing a lot of development work, although much remains to be done," he said.
The surrender comes amid continued operations against Maoist networks in the region.
On August 4, Jharkhand Police arrested a Maoist leader, dealing another blow to the banned outfit's network.
Last week, the Special Task Force of Kolkata Police arrested senior CPI (Maoist) leader Asim Mandal, alias Akash, Timir and Manoj, who was among the most wanted Maoist leaders in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha.
Mandal was apprehended during an early morning operation in Patashpur in East Midnapore district.
Sources said a reward of Rs 2.20 crore had been announced for information leading to his arrest, including Rs 1 crore announced by the Jharkhand government and another reward from the Odisha government.