NIA Cracks Down on Maoist Supporters in Chhattisgarh

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, targeting CPI (Maoist) cadres and supporters involved in last year's road blockade aimed at killing police and looting arms. The investigations have revealed involvement of Maad Bachao Manch, a frontal organization of CPI (Maoist).

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday carried out extensive searches in Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh, focusing on CPI (Maoist) cadres and sympathizers linked to a deadly road blockade last year aimed at killing police personnel and grabbing their weapons.

The agency named 35 individuals in the case, which pertains to a March 20, 2023, incident where supporters of the banned CPI (Maoist) obstructed the Narayanpur-Orchha Main Road near India Gate Raynar. The blockade involved digging up road sections, cutting trees, and placing rocks to impede police movements, according to an NIA statement. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) revealed that several CPI (Maoist) supporters' names came up during the investigation. These individuals, suspected to be part of Maad Bachao Manch, allegedly assisted the CPI (Maoist) in executing the blockade.

One key figure, Lakhma Ram alias Lakhma Korram, who led Maad Bachao Manch at the Nadipara protest site in Orchha, is already charged as a Maoist, NIA stated. The investigation uncovered that Maad Bachao Manch not only protests against police encounters but also supports setting up new Maoist camps and provides logistical aid. They also hold meetings promoting the CPI (Maoist) ideology and deliver essential supplies to Maoist cadres.

Tuesday's operations specifically targeted four suspected members of the Maad Bachao Manch, with NIA teams searching various sensitive locations in the Maoist-dominated Narayanpur district.

(With inputs from agencies.)