A gangster, named in 37 cases, is the first organised crime leader in Jharkhand to surrender to the police.
Police officials said the step followed continuing operations against organised crime in the district and the state government’s stated “zero tolerance” policy on crime.
Gautam Kumar Singh, also known as W Singh, surrendered before the Palamu police on Sunday night.
The surrender took place at 10.30 pm at Medininagar Town police station before Superintendent of Police Reeshma Rameshan. Former station house officer Devvrat Poddar was involved in the process.
Singh, a resident of Phulang in Lesliganj, Palamu, had cases registered against him in Palamu, Latehar, Ranchi, and other districts. He was active in criminal activity since 2005 and was convicted in a Palamu court in 2016, which sentenced him to life imprisonment. He was later released on bail and remained untraceable.
Police records link him to cases of murder, extortion, and armed assault. He was named as an accused in the 2020 Medininagar killing of gangster Kunal Singh. Police had placed a reward of Rs 40,000 on his arrest, while a proposal for a higher reward was pending.
After the surrender, Singh said he wanted to return to a normal life and called on others involved in crime to do the same. “I was influenced by the government and police policies,” he said.
SP Reeshma Rameshan said Singh’s decision followed sustained police action. “We appeal to others involved in organised crime to come forward. Legal proceedings will follow, but support will be given to those who want to leave crime,” she said.
Police officials said the surrender shows the impact of pressure on organised groups. Legal proceedings against Singh will continue.