Has the NIA Charged a Maoist Operative for Supporting the Banned CPI (Maoist) in Jharkhand?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- NIA files supplementary chargesheet against Rajesh Deogam.
- Charges include aiding terrorism and arms facilitation.
- Evidence recovered includes cash and explosives.
- Investigation ongoing against additional suspects.
- Government’s aim is to eradicate Naxalism by 2026.
New Delhi, July 3 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has submitted a supplementary chargesheet against a significant operative of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) group regarding activities linked to terrorism in Jharkhand.
The accused, Rajesh Deogam, hailing from West Singhbhum district, faces charges under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
This chargesheet was presented to the NIA Special Court in Ranchi on Thursday as part of case RC-02/2024/NIA-RNC, which is associated with criminal activities tied to Maoists in the area.
Initially lodged by local law enforcement in March 2024, the case involved the confiscation of a considerable amount of money and materials linked to senior CPI (Maoist) leader Misir Besra. The NIA assumed control of the investigation in July 2024. The agency claims that Deogam was a key figure in facilitating the operations of the unlawful organization.
He is accused of aiding in the management of arms, sheltering Maoist operatives, and extorting funds from local contractors and businessmen to support the group's activities.
The NIA indicated that Deogam was actively involved in coordinating clandestine meetings and was part of a broader conspiracy aimed at executing terrorist actions within the region.
“Disclosures by Deogam resulted in the recovery of gelatine sticks, along with ₹10,50,000 in cash, a walkie-talkie, a Samsung tablet, a power bank, a radio set, a levy collection receipt, and other incriminating evidence,” stated the NIA in its press release.
“These items were discovered buried in forested areas between Husipi and Rajabhasa villages,” it added.
The NIA emphasized that further inquiries are ongoing against additional suspects linked to the case.
The CPI (Maoist), which is prohibited under the UAPA, continues to be one of the most prominent Left-Wing extremist factions in India, especially affecting states like Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Significantly, this outlawed group is currently grappling with its most severe crisis as operations against their cadre and other Maoists intensify across the country, signaling that Left-Wing Extremism may be nearing its end.
Earlier this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that “Naxals” would be eliminated by March 31, 2026, ensuring that no citizen loses their life due to this issue.