Chhattisgarh: Three Additional Suspects Charged in Arms Supply Case
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Synopsis
The NIA has charged three more individuals related to the weapon supply for the banned CPI (Maoist) in Chhattisgarh, increasing the total number charged to eight. These latest suspects are Sudhir Tripathi, Suraj Nishad, and Hungo Madkami, facing serious charges under the Arms Act and UAPA.
Key Takeaways
- NIA charges three more in arms case.
- Total charged individuals rise to eight.
- Charges include Arms Act and UAPA violations.
- Weapons sourced from Uttar Pradesh.
- Investigation reveals a larger conspiracy.
Bhopal, April 8 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has indicted three more individuals in relation to the provision of weapons and ammunition to the prohibited CPI (Maoist) faction in Chhattisgarh, as reported on Tuesday.
In a supplementary charge-sheet submitted to the NIA Special Court in Jagdalpur, the agency named Sudhir Tripathi, Suraj Nishad (also known as Karan), and Hungo Madkami (also known as Hunga), an armed member of the CPI (Maoist).
These individuals are facing charges under various sections of the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
With this recent update, the total count of individuals charged in this case has escalated to eight. Previously, five other suspects had been charged following their detention in Bhairamgarh Tehsil, Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. Their trial is currently in progress.
The NIA's investigation reveals that Sudhir and Suraj played a significant role in aiding the previously arrested individuals in obtaining a revolver and ammunition from Uttar Pradesh, intended for delivery to Maoist members in Bhairamgarh. Both were apprehended in October of last year.
In a prior breakthrough, the NIA arrested Sudhir Tripathi and Suraj Nishad, both hailing from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, for their role in supplying arms to the Maoists.
Additionally, four other individuals - Santosh Kumar Gupta, Prince Sharma, Vijay Sahu, and Hunga Madakami - were arrested in January 2023 when local police in Chhattisgarh seized the weapons and initiated a case under various sections of the Arms Act, UAPA, and IPC.
During a search operation, police discovered a revolver labeled ‘USA’ and two foreign-origin mobile phones - one recovered from Sharma and the other from Sahu.
The NIA took charge of the case in January of the previous year and revealed that Sudhir and Suraj were actively transporting arms from Uttar Pradesh to Maoist operatives in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.
Further investigations uncovered a conspiracy among them to provide logistical assistance to the illegal group.
The series of events commenced on January 11, 2023, when Bhairamgarh police received a tip-off regarding Santosh Gupta from Sanjaydhara, who was suspected of supplying arms to Maoist leader Hunga Madakami.
Investigations are still ongoing, as per the NIA.
