The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally charged five individuals in a significant case involving the procurement and supply of explosive materials to the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) organization in Chhattisgarh. The chargesheet, filed on Tuesday, names one arrested accused and four others who are currently absconding.
Details of the Accused and Charges
In a supplementary chargesheet submitted before the special NIA court in Jagdalpur, the agency indicted Manish Sodhi alias Hurra, who was arrested in July this year. The four fugitives named are Sodhi Kesa, Manila, Madkam Kesa, and Sodhi Lakhma. All five are residents of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh.
The NIA's investigation found that the accused were actively involved in sourcing explosives and other incriminating items for the outlawed Maoist group. "The five accused were found to be in unlawful possession of incriminating materials intended to be used by CPI (Maoist) PLGA Battalion No.1 members and the cadre active in the Jagargunda area of Sukma district," stated an official release. The People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) is the armed wing of the CPI (Maoist).
Investigation Reveals IED Plot Against Security Forces
Probe findings indicate that the Maoists planned to fabricate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using the seized materials. These IEDs were intended for use in attacks against security forces operating in the region. The case originally came to light on September 25, 2024, when Chhattisgarh State Police arrested two individuals: Mantosh Mandal and S Nagarjun.
Following their interrogation, police conducted raids and recovered a substantial cache of explosive materials. The seized items included:
- Tiffin bombs
- Detonators
- Potassium nitrate
- Aluminium metal powder
Authorities also confiscated other evidence such as packaging wrappers, Naxal literature, and mobile phones.
Trail of Terror Funding and Ongoing Probe
Subsequent investigation uncovered a network of terror financing and a supply chain that facilitated the movement of these hazardous materials. The NIA took over the case from the state police in December 2024 to conduct a deeper, nationwide investigation.
With this latest chargesheet, the total number of individuals chargesheeted in this case has risen to seven. The federal anti-terror agency has stated that its investigation is continuing, focusing on dismantling the entire support structure behind the procurement of explosives for the banned outfit.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges in Left-Wing Extremism affected regions and the continued efforts by security agencies to choke the supply of materials used to wage violence against the state.
