Praful Munda, alias Habil Munda, surrendered before Khunti Police on Wednesday, ending his years as a wanted Maoist commander.
Munda, 30, carried a Rs 1 lakh bounty and served as an area commander of the banned People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI). He joined the extremist movement at 16 and faced 21 FIRs for serious criminal offences. During the surrender, he laid down arms in the presence of senior officials, citing the Jharkhand State Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy and his desire to return to a normal life.
Explaining his decision, Munda said he had grown disillusioned with violence. He expressed a wish to live peacefully with his family and contribute to village development. “Violence only brings destruction and leads nowhere. I want to live a peaceful life with my family and contribute to the development of my village,” he stated.
Khunti superintendent of police Manish Toppo welcomed the surrender. He noted that the arrest of PLFI supremo Dinesh Gope last year created a leadership vacuum, prompting many cadres to reconsider their future. Toppo emphasised that Munda’s surrender reflects the effectiveness of ongoing operations and outreach programs.
Under the rehabilitation policy, Munda will receive immediate financial assistance, vocational training, legal support, and education and housing benefits for his dependents. Authorities confirmed he will also receive the award amount declared for him, along with land and housing support.
Police stressed that while rehabilitation remains available for those who surrender, operations against active militants will continue with zero tolerance.
