Chhattisgarh: NIA Files Charges Against Two Maoists in Explosive Supply Case
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Synopsis
The NIA has charged two individuals linked to the CPI (Maoist) with supplying explosives in Chhattisgarh. The charges stem from a case involving the purchase of materials intended for Naxalites, with significant items recovered from their possession.
Key Takeaways
- NIA charges two Maoists in explosive case.
- Case involves purchase and supply of explosives.
- Seized items include potassium nitrate and detonators.
- Accused linked to People's Liberation Guerrilla Army.
- Investigations ongoing since December 2024.
New Delhi, March 21 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially filed charges against two individuals implicated in a 2024 case concerning the acquisition and distribution of explosives by the outlawed terrorist group Communist Party of India (CPI, Maoist) in Chhattisgarh.
In the chargesheet submitted to the NIA Special Court in Jagdalpur, the agency named Mantosh Mandal and Sela Nagarjun, also known as S. Nagarjun, both from Patnampara, District Sukma, Chhattisgarh. They are charged under multiple sections of the Explosive Substances Act and the UA(P) Act.
Back in September, the Sukma Police reported the dismantling of a Maoist supply network through the arrest of these two suspects, alongside the confiscation of various explosive materials. Among the seized items were two boxes of potassium nitrate, two kilograms of urea powder, three boxes of aluminium powder, a tiffin bomb, two detonators, Maoist literature, a laptop, a mobile SIM card, and a mobile phone. The recovered materials were intended for Naxalites.
The two suspects were recognized as supporters or over-ground workers (OGWs) of CPI (Maoist), actively engaged in purchasing explosives and other necessary supplies for the banned organization. They were in illegal possession of these materials, intended for distribution to CPI (Maoist) members in the Jagargunda region of Sukma district for the creation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) aimed at attacks on security personnel.
The state police initially opened the case following the arrests of Mantosh and Sela on September 25, 2024. The NIA re-registered the case on December 23, 2024, and is actively pursuing further investigations.
During interrogations, the two men revealed their involvement in supplying gunpowder, explosive materials, chemicals, detonators, walkie-talkies, and essential supplies to People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1 since 2020. The PLGA operates as the armed faction of the Communist Party of India (Maoist).
