New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed searches at multiple sites across remote villages in Chhattisgarh concerning the CPI (Maoist)

The NIA released a statement indicating: "Searches took place at various locations linked to 11 suspects in the villages of Rawandiggi, Semra, Mainpur, Ghoragaon, Kerabahra, and Gariyaband within the sensitive, Maoist-affected regions of Gariyaband and Dhamtari districts. The suspects are believed to be over ground workers (OWGs) and allies of the Mainpur-Nuapada division of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) militant group.

"Investigations have confirmed that the Mainpur-Nuapada division orchestrated the IED explosion that resulted in the death of a Head Constable from the ITBP ADHOC 615 Battalion during the assault on the polling and security team returning from the village Badegobra after voting in November of the previous year."

The statement added that the identities of the suspects whose properties were searched today emerged during the ongoing NIA investigation into this case.

"During the searches, the NIA seized Naxal pamphlets/booklets, mobile phones and digital devices, Rs 1.5 lakh in cash, in addition to several other incriminating items. The NIA has already filed charges against 10 individuals in this matter," the NIA statement noted.

The NIA serves as India's dedicated counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, empowered to investigate terrorism-related crimes across the nation.

This agency is granted the authority to investigate cases involving threats to the country's sovereignty, security, and integrity.

Moreover, it holds the power to conduct searches, carry out seizures and arrests, gather evidence, and maintain a comprehensive database of terrorist organizations and their affiliates.

The NIA was established following the passage of the National Investigation Agency Act 2008 by Parliament on December 31, 2008, a legislative response to the devastating 26/11 terror attacks that struck Mumbai, India's financial hub.

Headquartered in Delhi, the NIA also operates branches in numerous Indian cities, including Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Kolkata, Raipur, Jammu, Chandigarh, Ranchi, Chennai, and Imphal.