Patna

The Bihar Police on Thursday claimed that the state has become “Naxal-free” following the surrender of a senior Maoist leader carrying a bounty of ₹3 lakh.

Suresh Koda, also known as Mustakim, who was wanted in at least 60 cases—many registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)—surrendered before the Special Task Force (STF) in Munger district on Wednesday, a statement issued by the Police Headquarters said.

Koda surrendered along with three assault rifles, a large cache of ammunition and magazines, besides some cash, the police said.

The authorities said steps are being taken to extend benefits to the surrendered Maoist under the ‘Atmasmarpan Sah Punarvaas Yojana’, a rehabilitation scheme for former insurgents. Under the policy, Koda will receive ₹3 lakh equivalent to the reward on his head, an additional incentive of ₹5 lakh, and a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 for vocational training for a period of 36 months.

“With the surrender of Koda, the Naxal network has been obliterated in Bihar, and the entire state has become Naxal-free,” the police statement claimed.

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Police officials said sustained counter-insurgency operations, intelligence-led action and rehabilitation measures have contributed to weakening left-wing extremism in the state, adding that vigilance will continue to prevent any regrouping of outlawed outfits.