NIA Crackdown Targets CPI (Maoist) Revival Attempts in Multiple States

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh to curb the CPI (Maoist) revival efforts. Nine locations linked to suspects were targeted, and digital devices were seized. The suspects were allegedly funded by the Eastern Regional Bureau head to propagate Maoist ideology and recruit cadres.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) initiated coordinated searches on Friday in multiple locations across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, aiming to thwart the attempts of the banned CPI (Maoist) to regain its footing. According to an official statement, nine locations linked to various accused and suspects were raided.

Among the sites searched, four were in Punjab, two in Uttar Pradesh, two in Haryana, and one in Delhi. These states, alongside Himachal Pradesh, form the National Regional Bureau (NRB), which the CPI (Maoist) reportedly aims to penetrate in an effort to rejuvenate its activities, the NIA revealed.

During the operation, several digital devices including laptops, mobile phones, pen drives, and memory cards were seized. The NIA stated that the suspects were receiving funds from Prashant Bose, head of the erstwhile Eastern Regional Bureau, to recruit members and spread Maoist ideology in the northern states. The investigation also uncovered front organisations and student wings working to enlist suitable candidates to wage a war against the Indian government.

(With inputs from agencies.)