Rs. 5 lakh bounty Naxal commander among two JJMP rebels who surrender in Latehar

Ranchi - Two senior members of the banned Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), including a sub-zonal commander carrying a ?5 lakh bounty, surrendered before police in Jharkhand’s Latehar district on Wednesday.

Officials identified them as Brajesh Yadav alias Rakesh, JJMP’s sub-zonal commander, and Awadhesh Lohara alias Rohit, the group’s area commander. The duo laid down arms in front of top officials including IG Shailendra Kumar Sinha and SP Kumar Gaurav at the district headquarters.

Both were felicitated with bouquets and received symbolic cheques under the state’s Naxal surrender and rehabilitation scheme. Their families attended the ceremony.

Brajesh, from Gumla district, has been active in Maoist movements for nearly 20 years. After being arrested in 2010 and released in 2018, he joined JJMP and became sub-zonal commander. He faces 10 serious charges including murder and attacks on security forces.

Awadhesh, from Latehar, is wanted in five cases and is accused of participating in violent attacks on police personnel.

IG Sinha said the continuous pressure from security agencies and public support has weakened Naxal influence in the region. “So far, 21 Naxalites have surrendered this year,” he said, adding that only a handful of JJMP members remain active.

With inputs from IANS