Bihar goes Naxal-free: Top Maoist Suresh Koda surrenders with weapons

Bihar has been officially declared Naxal-free following the surrender of Suresh Koda , a top Maoist commander who carried a bounty of Rs 3 lakh . Police officials described the surrender as a historic milestone in the state’s long fight against left-wing extremism.

Koda, also known as Mustakim , handed himself over to the Special Task Force (STF) in Munger district on Wednesday, along with three assault rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, magazines, and cash . Police verified that he had been named in over 60 criminal cases , including several under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) , covering decades of violent activity such as attacks on security personnel, civilians, and infrastructure.

The surrender ceremony was attended by senior STF officials, the Deputy Inspector General of Police , and local administrative leaders. Koda was formally welcomed into custody, and his weapons and ammunition were recorded. Senior officers said the event was the culmination of years of intelligence-driven operations and sustained pressure on Naxal networks, and emphasized that strict monitoring would continue to ensure the state remains free of Maoist activity. Local communities in previously affected villages expressed relief and optimism , welcoming the sense of security and normalcy that Koda’s surrender has brought.

Under Bihar’s ‘Atmasmarpan Sah Punarvaas Yojana’ , Koda will receive Rs 3 lakh , equivalent to his bounty, along with an additional Rs 5 lakh incentive and a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 for 36 months to support vocational training. His family will also receive assistance to facilitate their reintegration into mainstream society.

Koda’s surrender follows a series of similar developments in Bihar over the past year, including other commanders who had laid down arms and surrendered weapons. Neighboring states such as Jharkhand have also witnessed multiple surrenders, as part of broader counter-insurgency efforts. Despite the declaration of a Naxal-free status, authorities have stressed the importance of continued vigilance. Enhanced patrolling, intelligence gathering, community policing, and coordination between STF, local police, and paramilitary units will ensure that any attempt at resurgence is swiftly countered. Development projects and outreach programs in remote areas will further strengthen long-term security.

The surrender of Koda, combined with strong rehabilitation measures and sustained monitoring, marks a decisive moment in Bihar’s decades-long battle against Naxalism and offers hope for lasting peace and development in the region.