Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Maoist Leader Akash Disbands West Bengal Committee Military Wing
Akash is a senior leader of the CPI (Maoist).
He has been involved in the movement since the 1980s.
He led the group’s West Bengal organization for many years.
After security forces increased pressure, he left the forest and moved to the city.
He also disbanded the organization’s military wing in West Bengal.
Akash is 64 and reportedly has health problems.
Three associates surrendered to the police after his decision.
Police believe two other members in hiding may also surrender.
Akash, also known as Asim Mandal, disbanded the CPI (Maoist) West Bengal State Committee’s military wing after 25 years.
The 64-year-old leader is the party’s West Bengal state secretary and its only active surviving Central Committee member.
Akash, who carries a Rs 1 crore bounty, reportedly hid his AK-47 and moved from the forest to the city.
His associates Sachin, Mita and Jaba surrendered to police after following his lead.
Samir Singh Sardar and Malati Murmu remain in hiding near the Bengal-Jharkhand border, where they still have firearms.
- Who
- Akash, also known as Asim Mandal, the CPI (Maoist) West Bengal state secretary, and several associates.
- What
- Akash disbanded the military wing of the CPI (Maoist) West Bengal State Committee after about 25 years.
- When
- The report gives no exact date for the disbanding; Akash emerged from the forest on August 13–14.
- Where
- West Bengal, with Akash emerging from the Dalma Range in Jharkhand and associates hiding near the Bengal-Jharkhand border.
- Why
- Security operations, Akash’s poor health and the difficulty of traveling through the hills reportedly contributed to his decision.
- Leader
- Akash, alias Asim Mandal
- Age
- 64
- Organization
- CPI (Maoist) West Bengal State Committee
- Position
- West Bengal state secretary and only active surviving Central Committee member
- Bounty on Akash
- Rs 1 crore
- Associates who surrendered
- Sachin, Mita and Jaba
- People still in hiding
- Samir Singh Sardar and Malati Murmu near the Bengal-Jharkhand border