Ranchi: In a major success for security forces, 16 active Maoists surrendered before the Jharkhand Police in Ranchi under the state's 'Nayi Disha-Nayi Pahal' anti-Naxal campaign.

The surrender is being seen as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb Left-Wing Extremism in the state.

Senior Maoist Leaders Among Those Who Surrendered

According to police, the surrendered group included:

• One Regional Commander
• Three Zonal Commanders
• Three Sub-Zonal Commanders
• Six Area Commanders
• Three cadre-level members

Among them was Santosh alias Basudev, a Regional Commander carrying a ₹15 lakh reward.

Weapons and Ammunition Handed Over

As part of the surrender, the Maoists handed over a large cache of weapons and ammunition, including:

• 11 sophisticated firearms
• 38 magazines
• 1,562 rounds of ammunition

The recovered arms have been taken into police custody for further investigation.

Read more: Gujarat Police Intensifies Crackdown on Cyber Crime Through Operation Mule Hunt 2.0

Operation Navjeevan-II Led to Surrender

Officials said the surrender was made possible through Operation Navjeevan-II, a joint anti-Naxal initiative conducted by the Jharkhand Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), CoBRA, and Jharkhand Jaguar.

The operation focused on encouraging Maoist cadres to abandon violence and join the mainstream through rehabilitation and outreach efforts.

Rehabilitation Benefits to Be Provided

Director General of Police Tadasha Mishra said the surrendered Maoists would receive benefits under the Jharkhand government's rehabilitation policy, which offers assistance to former insurgents willing to surrender and reintegrate into society.

Officials said the state government will continue its dual approach of security operations and rehabilitation to further weaken Maoist networks across Jharkhand.