Kolhan region Maoist network hit as two women and a top commander quit

The Kolhan region of western Singhbhum saw a major dent in its underground Maoist structure when three operatives surrendered to the police on Friday. Among them is Saluka Kayam, a high‑ranking cadre with a cash bounty of ten lakh rupees, accompanied by two female militants identified only as Pinki and Kodomuni Kora.

Police Superintendent Amit Renoo verified the surrender and announced that interrogations have begun. He promised to disclose further details once the statements are fully processed.

Official records attribute a total of 109 criminal cases to the trio, with 96 of those lodged against Kayam. The charges span violent attacks on security forces, improvised explosive device (IED) detonations, ambushes, sabotage of rail lines, arson of construction machinery, kidnappings, extortion and several murder accusations.

Authorities label Kayam as a chief facilitator of Maoist operations in Kolhan since 2018 and a close associate of the movement’s top leader Mishir Basra. He is linked to at least 25 major violent incidents, notably a March 2026 encounter in Marangponga‑Kinbir that left two CRPF jawans injured.

The surrender arrives after a series of recent police drives that have forced dozens of Maoists to lay down arms. Security officials believe that the information obtained from the three will provide valuable leads on active members, weapon stores and the remaining operational network in the area.