Senior police brass, including DIG Rakesh Kumar and STF head Sanjay Kumar Singh, oversaw the proceedings alongside DM Nikhil Dhanraj. The haul included an AK-47 rifle, an AK-56, two INSAS guns, and hundreds of cartridges—testimony to Koda’s firepower during his long reign of terror across 60-odd cases.

What broke the Naxals’ grip? Intensified operations since last year, marked by multiple surrenders and encounters. The Rajasrai clash was a turning point, scattering Koda’s team and isolating him. Earlier defections in July and December signaled the network’s collapse under pressure from security forces.

State policy rewards such capitulations generously: Rs 3 lakh bounty payout, Rs 5 lakh bonus, vocational training, jobs, and rehab support await Koda as he pledges a peaceful life. He publicly begged forgiveness, raising cheers for the STF and disavowing his violent past.

Villagers like nephew Ranjan Koda celebrate the end of fear, pointing to booming development and job programs as the real game-changers for youth. Administration hails the milestone but warns complacency is the enemy—continuous patrols, investments, and community ties will safeguard the fragile peace.