New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency has taken into custody the fugitive Chandan Kumar in Mumbai on Thursday, linked to a conspiracy case from 2021 that sought to reinstate the banned CPI (Maoist) in Bihar's Magadh Zone.

Chandan, hailing from Jehanabad district in Bihar, was a prominent figure within the organization, actively engaged in fundraising through extortion and the collection of levies from contractors, while also encouraging former members to return to terrorist activities.

The NIA Special Court in Ranchi, Jharkhand, classified him as an absconder and issued non-bailable warrants in October 2023.

The case was initiated by the agency suo moto in December 2021 against Pradyuman Sharma, a member of the CPI (Maoist) Special Area Committee, alongside Yogendra Ravidas, Nagendra Giri (an armed cadre), Abhinav alias Gaurav alias Bittu, and Dhananjay Paswan (an arms supplier).

Investigations unveiled a plot to rejuvenate the organization within the Magadh Zone by securing funds for the acquisition of arms, ammunition, and training operatives in IED fabrication.

Funds were funneled through diverse routes, and schemes involved engaging with incarcerated Naxals and Over Ground Workers in jails to carry out revival plans.

The NIA had previously lodged a chargesheet against the five named individuals, all affiliated with CPI (Maoist), and initiated a manhunt for Chandan Kumar.

This arrest is a crucial move in dismantling the terror financing and revival framework in the region, where Maoist influence has historically thrived in rural and forested areas of Bihar and neighboring states.

The Magadh Zone, which includes districts such as Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Gaya, and Arwal, has experienced persistent attempts by the outfit to regroup despite ongoing security measures.

The NIA’s investigation has revealed how extortion from contractors, business establishments, and toll plazas financed arms procurement and cadre recruitment, with the intent of undermining sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Previous chargesheets related to this case have implicated high-ranking leaders and supporters, including connections to Central Committee members who facilitated coordination between operatives in Bihar and Jharkhand.

Chandan Kumar's capture follows earlier arrests and additional chargesheets in the case, which have significantly weakened urban and overground support systems for the banned group.

The NIA continues its investigation to uncover further connections, possible financiers, and remaining fugitives, reinforcing its commitment to eradicating Left-Wing Extremism networks through coordinated law enforcement.

This milestone aligns with broader national initiatives to thwart Maoist revival attempts, particularly in Bihar and Jharkhand, where intelligence-driven operations have led to surrenders, arrests, and sieges in recent years. Authorities are optimistic that such measures will deter remaining cadres and OGWs from embracing violent ideologies.