Naxal explosives supply: Three convicted by NIA court in Narayanpur
Synopsis
A Special NIA court in Narayanpur has convicted three people for concealing potassium nitrate, detonators, and Cordex wire inside medicinal herb bundles to supply Naxalite cadres — a case that began with a single tip-off in March 2024 and ended with sentences of up to seven years of rigorous imprisonment under both the Explosive Substances Act and the UAPA.
Key Takeaways
Chameli Bai , Ravi Markam alias Sushil , and Kosru Vadde convicted by the Special NIA Court, Narayanpur for supplying explosives to Naxalites.
Sentences include 7 years rigorous imprisonment under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 and up to 5 years under the UAPA, 1967 , plus fines.
Police recovered 4 detonators , 7 sacks of potassium nitrate , 7 metres of red Cordex wire , and 2 mobile phones during the 19 March 2024 operation in Taragaon village .
Investigation was transferred to the State Investigation Agency, Raipur due to the seriousness of the case.
Explosives were reportedly concealed inside bundles of medicinal herbs to avoid detection.
A Special Court under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, has convicted three individuals for supplying explosive materials intended for Naxalite cadres in the district. The convicted persons — Chameli Bai, Ravi Markam alias Sushil, and Kosru Vadde — were found guilty on the basis of witness testimonies and evidence gathered during investigation, according to police officials.
Sentences Awarded
The court handed down multiple concurrent sentences to the three convicts. Under Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, each received seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹1,000. Under Section 10(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, they were sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹500. Additional provisions of the UAPA attracted a further five years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹500 each.
How the Case Originated
The case dates to 19 March 2024, when Narayanpur Police received a tip-off that individuals in Taragaon village had concealed explosive substances inside bundles of medicinal herbs, with the intent of delivering them to Naxalite operatives. Acting on the information, police recovered four detonators, seven sacks of potassium nitrate, seven metres of red Cordex wire, and two mobile phones from the accused.
Investigation and Chargesheet
Given the gravity of the matter, the investigation was transferred to the State Investigation Agency at police headquarters in Raipur. Interrogation and technical evidence established that the explosives were to be transported from Narayanpur market to Taragaon through Ravi Markam and Chameli Bai, for onward supply to Naxalite cadres and their networks. A third accused, Kosru Vadde, son of Masa Vadde and a resident of Gawadi village under Thulthuli Panchayat in Orchha police station limits of Narayanpur district, was subsequently identified, arrested, and remanded to judicial custody. A chargesheet was thereafter filed before the Special Court (NIA Act), Narayanpur.
Security Forces Reiterate Zero Tolerance
Narayanpur Police and the State Investigation Agency stated that firm action against individuals supporting Naxal activities will continue, and that anyone found involved in acts threatening law, order, and security will be prosecuted. This conviction comes amid a broader, sustained security offensive against left-wing extremism across Chhattisgarh, where authorities have intensified operations in Naxal-affected districts over the past two years.
Point of View
But the more telling detail is the concealment method — potassium nitrate and detonators hidden inside medicinal herb bundles, a supply chain that exploits the routine movement of forest produce in tribal districts. It signals that Naxal logistics networks have adapted to intensified security operations, routing material through civilian cover. The NIA court's swift chargesheet-to-conviction timeline is notable, yet the real measure of effectiveness is whether prosecutions are disrupting supply chains or merely catching the lowest-rung couriers while procurement networks remain intact.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were convicted in the Narayanpur Naxal explosives case?
The three convicted individuals are Chameli Bai, Ravi Markam alias Sushil, and Kosru Vadde. They were found guilty by the Special Court under the NIA Act in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, for supplying explosive materials to Naxalite cadres.
What explosives were recovered and where?
Police recovered four detonators, seven sacks of potassium nitrate, seven metres of red Cordex wire, and two mobile phones. The materials had been concealed inside bundles of medicinal herbs in Taragaon village, Narayanpur district, on 19 March 2024.
What sentences did the court hand down?
Each convict received seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a ₹1,000 fine under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, two years of rigorous imprisonment and a ₹500 fine under Section 10(1) of the UAPA, 1967, and five years of rigorous imprisonment and a ₹500 fine under additional UAPA provisions.
Which agency investigated the case?
The case was initially registered by Narayanpur Police following a tip-off, but owing to its seriousness, the investigation was transferred to the State Investigation Agency at police headquarters in Raipur, which filed the chargesheet before the Special NIA Court.
What is the broader context of this conviction?
The conviction is part of a sustained security crackdown on left-wing extremism in Chhattisgarh. Authorities have intensified operations in Naxal-affected districts, and Narayanpur Police reiterated that anyone found supporting Naxal activities will continue to face prosecution.
