NIA Conducts Raids Tied to Alleged Maoist Links in West Bengal

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted simultaneous raids at 12 locations in West Bengal, including Kolkata, targeting individuals allegedly linked to Maoists. The operation aims to uncover the roles of two women and their associates in siphoning funds to expand Maoist networks in eastern India.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) initiated raids on 12 premises in West Bengal on Tuesday, including one in Kolkata, targeting individuals allegedly linked to Maoist activities, according to an official source.

The operations were conducted in south Kolkata's Netaji Nagar area, Panihati, Barrackpore, and Sodepur in North 24 Parganas district, Asansol in Paschim Bardhaman district, and other locations. The raids are focused on uncovering the roles of two women and their associates in funding Maoist networks in eastern India, the source added.

'These women allegedly siphoned off funds meant for spreading Maoist networks,' the source explained. The NIA sleuths were assisted by the Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police during the searches, which included the residence of a researcher in Asansol linked to the women. 'Funds were transferred to Maoists in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar,' the source stated, adding that they were investigating NGO connections helping miners secure their dues. Several documents were seized during the ongoing raids, the source concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)