Key Facts
A woman Maoist leader carrying a bounty of ₹10 lakh surrendered before the Kolkata Police on Wednesday with a firearm and ammunition. The surrender marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to curb left-wing extremism in eastern India.
Details of the Surrender
Police identified the surrendered Maoist as Shakuntala, also known by aliases Pushpa and Barsa. She had been active for over two decades and worked under senior CPI (Maoist) leader Misir Besra in Jharkhand’s Saranda forest. Kolkata police commissioner Ajay Nand confirmed the surrender, stating that Shakuntala joined the Maoist Communist Centre around 2001 as a cultural member when she was in the fifth standard. She later became a zonal committee member of the Dalma squad of CPI (Maoist).
“She has been active in areas along the borders of Jharkhand, Odisha and Bihar. Later on, they shifted to Saranda forest, working under Besra’s command. Some Maoist members from West Bengal were also there. They are still there in the Saranda area. In February she decided to surrender,” Nand said.
Impact and Background
Shakuntala’s surrender comes amid a renewed push by the central government to wipe out insurgents. Most senior Maoist leaders have either laid down arms or been neutralised over the past two years. However, Misir Besra, who carries a reward of ₹1 crore, remains holed up in the forest with loyal troops. His family has made a final appeal through the government for him to surrender, but he has refused.
“While a few cases are pending against Shakuntala in West Bengal, most of the cases against her are registered in Jharkhand. She carries a reward of ₹10 lakh in Jharkhand,” Nand added.
What Readers Should Know
- Shakuntala surrendered with a firearm and ammunition.
- She was a resident of Belpahari in West Bengal.
- Her decision to surrender was influenced by government appeals to join the mainstream.
- Security forces continue operations in Saranda forest to neutralize remaining Maoist elements.
FAQ
Who surrendered before Kolkata Police?
Shakuntala, also known as Pushpa and Barsa, a woman Maoist leader carrying a ₹10 lakh bounty, surrendered on June 17, 2026.
What is the background of Shakuntala?
She joined the Maoist Communist Centre in 2001 as a cultural member while in fifth standard and later became a zonal committee member of the Dalma squad of CPI (Maoist).
Where was she active?
She operated along the borders of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar, and later shifted to Saranda forest under the command of Misir Besra.
Why did she surrender?
She realized the path was not right and decided to join the mainstream following government appeals.