Patna/Munger,Feb 19: In a significant milestone for internal security, Bihar has been declared “Naxal-free” following the surrender of top Maoist commander Suresh Koda, alias Mustakim, in Munger district, police officials said on Thursday.
Koda, who carried a bounty of ₹3 lakh on his head, surrendered before the Special Task Force (STF) in Munger. He was wanted in at least 60 cases, many registered under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
According to officials, Koda laid down arms along with three assault rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, magazines and some cash.
“With the surrender of Koda, the Naxal network has been obliterated in Bihar, and the entire state has become Naxal-free,” an official statement said.
Deputy Inspector General (Munger Range) Rakesh Kumar confirmed that no armed Naxalite squad is currently active in any of the 23 districts that were previously affected by Left-wing extremism.
“No armed Naxalite squad is currently active in any of the 23 districts that were previously affected by Naxalism,” Kumar said.
The District Magistrate of Munger, Nikhil Dhanraj Nippanikar, stated that Koda would be provided benefits under the Centre’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.
Under the state’s ‘Atmasmarpan Sah Punarvaas Yojana’, Koda will receive ₹3 lakh equivalent to the reward on his head, an additional ₹5 lakh incentive, and a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 for 36 months to undergo vocational training.
Meanwhile, Koda’s wife, Pramila Devi, expressed happiness over his decision, saying there is now “a sense of relief and joy in the family.”
Officials noted that as recently as 2012, 23 districts in Bihar were affected by Naxal activities. During the 1970s, central Bihar witnessed a significant rise in Naxalite influence. However, sustained operations by Central and State security forces have gradually weakened the insurgency.
In 2025, not a single Naxalite incident was reported in the state, while 220 Naxalites were arrested, marking what authorities described as a major achievement toward peace and development.
Security agencies termed the development a historic step in Bihar’s journey from insurgency to stability.
