NIA Detains CPI (Maoist) Associate in Chhattisgarh Terror Financing Investigation
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On February 28, the NIA detained Raghu Midiyami, a key member of the Moolwasi Bachao Manch linked to the CPI (Maoist) during an ongoing investigation into terror funding in Chhattisgarh, which has seen prior arrests and a government ban on the group.
Key Takeaways
- NIA arrests Raghu Midiyami, head of MBM.
- MBM is linked to the banned CPI (Maoist).
- Significant funds recovered from earlier suspects.
- MBM banned for opposing development in Maoist areas.
- Ongoing investigations into terror financing.
Raipur, Feb 28 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has detained Raghu Midiyami, an influential member of the Moolwasi Bachao Manch (MBM), which is affiliated with the banned CPI (Maoist) organization.
This detention forms part of a broader inquiry into a terror funding case in Chhattisgarh, recorded as RC-02/2023/NIA/RPR, according to the leading investigative body.
The MBM has previously been outlawed by the Chhattisgarh government.
The investigation was originally managed by the Chhattisgarh Police, leading to the arrest and charges against two individuals in November 2023. Authorities discovered Rs 6 lakh in cash from these suspects, who were termed as Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of the MBM, as reported by the agency.
The NIA assumed control of the case in February 2024, uncovering evidence that identified Midiyami as the head of MBM.
Investigations indicated that the MBM was instrumental in collecting, storing, and distributing funds to promote the CPI (Maoist) agenda.
According to NIA findings, Raghu Midiyami is thought to be a pivotal figure in overseeing the local-level allocation of these funds, which were utilized to organize and sustain protests led by the CPI (Maoist). Further inquiries are ongoing.
On October 30, under the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act, 2005, the state government imposed a one-year ban on the MBM, facing backlash from activists and civil society groups who showed support for the organization. The government accused the group of continuously opposing and inciting the public against developmental initiatives in Maoist-affected regions.
Earlier in January, the NIA arrested two OGWs of the banned CPI (Maoist) terrorist group. The detained individuals, Dhanesh Ram Dhruw a.k.a. Guru Jee and Ramswarup Markam, were associates of the CPI (Maoist) and played active roles in providing logistical support to those responsible for an IED explosion that occurred on November 17, 2023, in the village of Badegobra in the Gariyaband district of Chhattisgarh during the assembly polls.
