Did the NIA File a Supplementary Chargesheet Against 5 Maoists for Targeted Killing of Army Personnel in Chhattisgarh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The NIA has filed a supplementary chargesheet against five individuals linked to the murder of an Army personnel.
- The case highlights the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups in conflict areas.
- Security forces are actively monitoring the situation to ensure accountability.
- The investigation aims to uncover more conspirators involved in the attack.
- This incident underscores the need for continued efforts in national security and community engagement.
Jagdalpur, Aug 30 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has submitted a supplementary chargesheet against five individuals linked to the banned CPI (Maoist) due to their suspected role in the assassination of Army personnel Motiram Achala in the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh.
This action comes after a previous chargesheet was filed against another suspect.
The recent chargesheet, presented to the NIA Special Court in Jagdalpur, identifies Bhawan Lal Jain, Suresh Kumar Salam, Shailendra Kumar Baghel, Anduram Salam, and Sonu Hemla.
Achala, who was on leave visiting family, was tragically shot on February 25, 2023, during the Useli village fair in the Amabeda area.
Investigations by the NIA revealed that the assault was executed by armed members of the CPI (Maoist), which included Hemla, who is part of the Kuyemari Area Committee under the North Bastar Division.
The other four defendants were functioning as Over Ground Workers (OGWs) who aided in the conspiracy.
The murder was purportedly orchestrated with the assistance of a senior Maoist leader, who played a role in identifying Achala amidst the crowd at the fair.
The NIA suggests that the motive was to instill fear among the local population and diminish the presence of security forces in the tribal region.
Previously, the agency had chargesheeted Ashu Korsa, another armed cadre from Bijapur district, in June 2025.
Korsa was apprehended in December 2024 after being connected to the broader conspiracy.
The NIA assumed control of the investigation from local police on February 29, 2024, citing national security concerns. Officials indicated that the murder was part of the CPI (Maoist)'s ongoing efforts to disrupt governance and impede development in remote areas.
Ongoing investigations aim to identify further conspirators and trace the operational network behind this attack.
Security forces are vigilantly monitoring the situation, ensuring accountability for those responsible for such violent acts.
This case starkly highlights the persistent threat posed by extremist elements in India’s conflict-affected regions.