Jharkhand exploring legal means to withdraw prosecution against willing Maoists

RANCHI: To encourage naxalites to surrender and eradicate Left-wing extremism, the Jharkhand police is mulling dropping criminal cases against them if they gave themselves up.

"The best possible incentive for naxal surrender could be a complete withdrawal of cases," says a state police book-let made available to the media.

It adds, "with the support of the state government, the police department has begun to seriously consider legal issues in withdrawing prosecution against those top naxals willing to surrender."

Five of the surrendered Naxals were recently recruited in the police force as part of the department's effort to recruit surrendered naxalites, who are absolved by the courts.

The booklet also says that the state probably has the best 'Surrender, Rehabilitation and Reward Policy', including the recent announcement of Rs 11.55 crore to 106 top naxals.