Who is Lakshman Paswan in the NIA's CPI-Maoist case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Patna, Jan 28 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally charged Lakshman Paswan, a key suspect, regarding efforts to revive the outlawed Maoist group -- CPI (Maoist) -- in Bihar's Magadh zone, as confirmed by NIA officials on Wednesday.
Lakshman Paswan faces charges under pertinent sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The NIA's investigation indicates that he played a significant role in soliciting payments from local businesses to support CPI (Maoist) operations in Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada, and other districts within the Magadh region, which are known for Maoist activity.
Additionally, Paswan was involved in organizing gatherings to encourage and pressure residents to join the prohibited organization.
The NIA's thorough investigation has revealed that his actions were directed towards fortifying and revitalizing the CPI (Maoist) network in the Magadh area.
Paswan marks the fifth individual to be charged in this case.
He was apprehended by the NIA in August 2025 in Lutua village, located in Gaya district.
Previously, the NIA had filed charges against prominent Maoist figures, including Pramod Mishra, a member of the Politburo, and Anil Yadav, a Sub-Zonal Commander, in February 2024.
This was succeeded by two additional charge sheets against Binod Mishra and Rakesh Kumar, alias Bihari Paswan, in September 2024 and February 2025, respectively.
All four previously charged individuals were also arrested by the NIA.
The state police initiated the case in August 2023 after a raid at Binod Mishra's residence, where Pramod Mishra and Anil Yadav were discovered convening to advance their CPI (Maoist) revival efforts.
The NIA subsequently assumed control of the investigation from the state police, following directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
The central investigative agency continues to look into the roles of Lakshman Paswan's associates and other co-defendants implicated in the conspiracy.