NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday searched multiple locations in the Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh in connection to CPI (Maoist) cadres and supporters responsible for the March 2023 road blockade case.
According to an official release from the NIA, “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.”
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 CP| (Maoist) supporters, and OGWs 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.
As per the release, an individual identified as Lakhma Ram alias 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.
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.
The searches on Tuesday 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 CP| (Maoist).
Further investigations into the case are underway. (ANI)