What Led Notorious Maoist Commander Akhilesh Singh Bhokta to Surrender in Bihar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Akhilesh Singh Bhokta surrendered after nearly a decade on the run.
- The surrender signifies a major setback for Maoist operations.
- Authorities recovered 60 IEDs following his cooperation.
- Bhokta will be rehabilitated under the government's policy.
- This event could inspire other Maoists to lay down their arms.
Patna, June 20 (NationPress) In a significant achievement for law enforcement agencies fighting against left-wing extremism, infamous Maoist sub-zonal commander Akhilesh Singh Bhokta, also known as Patarki, who had been on the run for nearly ten years, voluntarily surrendered along with his semi-automatic rifle to the Gaya Police on Friday.
This feared Maoist, who had a bounty of Rs 3 lakh on his head, capitulated under relentless pressure from ongoing operations and raids conducted by Bihar Police in conjunction with central paramilitary forces.
As per Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anand Kumar, Akhilesh Bhokta, hailing from Kachnar village in the Chhakarbandha block, was implicated in more than 17 Maoist-related incidents across Gaya and Aurangabad districts.
He was deemed a pivotal figure in the area, notorious for planning lethal ambushes and acts of arson.
“He had been functioning as a sub-zonal commander and remained underground for the past decade. His surrender signifies a major setback for Maoist activities in the Chhakarbandha region,” stated SSP Anand Kumar.
Post-surrender, Bhokta shared vital intelligence that allowed authorities to recover 60 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), each approximately one kilogram, from the forests surrounding Kachnar village.
These explosives were promptly neutralized on-site with the assistance of CRPF, SSB, BSP, and local police forces.
Bhokta's criminal history includes an arson incident at a solar plant located in Mahapur (Amas PS).
He also shot an individual and set ablaze seven vehicles under the jurisdiction of the Dev police station. Additionally, he detonated an IED within the limits of the Lutua police station, which resulted in the death of a sub-inspector and left two constables with serious injuries.
Moreover, he participated in the strangulation murder of four villagers under the Dumaria police station's jurisdiction.
SSP Kumar confirmed that Bhokta will be rehabilitated according to the government's surrender and rehabilitation policy, which encompasses financial aid, vocational training, and resettlement assistance.
This action is anticipated to uplift the spirits of security forces and may motivate other Maoists to surrender as well.
“We believe this surrender will assist in purging the Chhakarbandha region of Naxalite influence. Our operations will persist until complete peace is reinstated,” Kumar added.