Why Did Two Ultras with a Rs 5 Lakh Reward Surrender in Jharkhand?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Brajesh Yadav and Awadhesh Lohara surrendered to police.
- Yadav had a Rs 5 lakh reward.
- The surrender highlights weakening Naxalite influence.
- 21 Naxalites have surrendered in 2023.
- Law enforcement is focused on rehabilitation.
Latehar (Jharkhand), Nov 12 (NationPress) Two prominent members of the outlawed group Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), including a sub-zonal commander with a bounty of Rs 5 lakh, submitted to law enforcement in Latehar district on Wednesday, according to officials.
The individuals who surrendered have been identified as Brajesh Yadav alias Rakesh, the sub-zonal commander of JJMP, and area commander Awadhesh Lohara alias Rohit.
They handed over their weapons at the district headquarters, witnessed by Palamu Range Inspector General of Police (IG) Shailendra Kumar Sinha, Latehar Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav, CRPF 11th Battalion Commandant Yadaram Bunkar, and SSB 32nd Battalion Commandant Rajesh Kumar.
Officials greeted the pair with flowers and presented them with symbolic cheques under the Jharkhand government’s Naxal surrender and rehabilitation policy. Family members of both former militants were also in attendance.
As per police reports, Brajesh Yadav, hailing from Kathokatwa village under Bishanpur police station in Gumla district, has been engaged in Maoist activities for nearly twenty years.
Previously affiliated with the CPI (Maoist), he was apprehended in 2010 and released in 2018. He then joined JJMP and ascended to the role of sub-zonal commander, facing 10 criminal cases, including murder, extortion, and assaults on security forces.
Area commander Awadhesh Lohara, from Banduwa village under Herhanj police station in Latehar, is sought in five cases and has participated in numerous violent acts against police personnel.
IG Shailendra Kumar Sinha stated that persistent pressure from security forces, coupled with increasing public support, has considerably diminished Naxalite influence in Latehar.
“To date, 21 Naxalites have surrendered this year. We are open to those who wish to reintegrate into society, but we will take strict measures against those who persist in violence,” he emphasized.
Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav noted that ongoing anti-Naxal operations have shattered the morale of the ultras, leaving only four to five active JJMP members believed to be operating in the region.