NIA Raids Former MLC Manorama Devi in Bihar's Gaya Over Maoist Links

Gaya: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at five locations in Bihar, including the residence of former JD(U) MLC Manorama Devi in Gaya, on Wednesday morning.

The raids were carried out as a part of NIA's probe into her alleged links with the banned CPI(Maoist). According to sources, the NIA raids were underway at the JDU leader's residence in Gaya's A P Colony area since 4am.

It is learnt that the central probe agency had asked for help from the local police. Heavy police force have been deployed around the residence.

The raids stems from a case which was initially registered on August 7, 2023 and re-registered by the agency on September 26, 2023. These raids are a part of NIA's probe into the unlawful activities by Naxal members in the Aurangabad district of the state. NIA is investigating the alleged conspiracy by the Maoists to revive and strengthen the organisation in the state's Magadh area. 

The case pertains to the recovery and seizure of two booklets related to CPI (Maoist) Magadh Zonal Sangathnic Committee, along with weapons and ammunition from the possession of two persons, Rohit Rai and Pramod Yadav, in 2023, news agency PTI reported. It is said that the duo, along with their aides, were involved in extortion of contactors and brick kiln owners to promote Maoist activities in the region. 

Out of five locations being raided, three are in Gaya. According to media reports, her Bodhgaya plant was also being raided. The team is also conducting searches at Banke Bazar area. Searches were also conducted at businessman Dwarika Yadav in Gointha village. 

Media reports suggest that Devi's late husband, Bindeshwari Yadav, also had a case registered against him for his alleged 'ties' with Naxals. He also faced arrested for allegedly supplying weapons to Naxals.

A riot control vehicle was also deployed near her residence. She contested the 2020 Bihar Legislative Assembly election from Atri Assembly constituency in Gaya district but lost the seat to Ajay Kumar Yadav of RJD by a margin of 7,931 votes.