NIA Raids Multiple Locations in Chhattisgarh in Link With CPI (Maoist) Road Blockade Case

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday conducted searches at multiple locations in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh in connection with CPI (Maoist) road blockade case.

A total of 35 accused are named in the case, relating to the March 20, 2023 incident in which cadres and supporters of the banned outfit had blocked the Narayanpur-Orchha Main Road near India Gate Raynar by digging various stretches, cutting trees, and placing small and big rocks at several places, said NIA.

In a statement, the NIA said, "The blockade was intended to kill police parties and loot their arms. During NIA's investigations in the case RC-09/2024/NIA/RPR, the names of some CPI (Maoist) supporters/OGWs had surfaced. Suspected to be members of Maad Bachao Manch, a frontal organization of CPI (Maoist), they were believed to have assisted CPI (Maoist) in orchestrating the crime."

"One Lakhma Ram @ Lakhma Korram, who was the leader of Maad Bachao Manch at the Nadipara protest site, Orchha, is a chargesheeted Maoist in the case. Investigations have revealed that Maad Bachao Manch organizes protests against encounters and helps set up new camps for the proscribed organisation, besides providing them with logistics support," it added.

"They also organise various meetings under the banner of "Maad Bachao Manch" for propagation of the CPI (Maoist) ideology. Members of the frontal outfit also work to deliver essential materials etc. to the Maoist cadres." it firther mentioned.

The latest raids targeted four suspected members of the frontal organisation, and NIA teams searched their premises in the Maoist infested sensitive areas of Kasturmeta, Madali and Malkal village in Narayanpr district, which falls under Maad Division of CPI (Maoist).

Further investigations in the case is underway. More details are awaited.