Jharkhand News : In a significant development in Jharkhand’s anti-Naxal operations, a minor Naxalite active in the Saranda forest region surrendered before Rourkela Police on Thursday. The surrender took place at the SP office in the presence of DIG Brijesh Rai and SP Nitesh Wadhabani, where the minor handed over a carbine.
According to officials, the minor is a resident of Jamda in West Singhbhum district and was associated with the South Chotanagpur division of the banned extremist group. DIG Rai said the boy was barely 12 years old when he was influenced in 2022 by senior Naxalites Rappa and Ganga and joined the squad of dreaded RCM member Mochu alias Mehtan alias Vibhishan alias Kamba Murmu, who carried a reward of ₹15 lakh on his head.
During his time with the outfit, the minor operated across dense forest areas of Saranda, including Baliba, Tirilposi, Lailor, Jamandih and Jojodera. Police said he was involved in several serious crimes, including the looting of explosives from the Banko stone quarry under the Keblang police station limits and attempts to blow up railway tracks in the Keblang area.
Cases have been registered against him in three incidents under Keblang police station and one case with the Bandamunda GRP. Security agencies noted that despite this surrender, several wanted Naxalites with cash rewards are still active in the Saranda forest region.
Authorities said the surrender reflects the impact of sustained anti-Naxal operations and rehabilitation efforts, especially aimed at preventing the exploitation of minors by extremist groups.
