The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is aggressively pursuing its investigation into Maoist activities within Jharkhand. A supplementary chargesheet has been filed against Rajesh Devgam in Ranchi’s special NIA court on July 3rd, accusing him of supporting the banned CPI (Maoist) organization. The NIA’s investigation reveals that Devgam allegedly assisted the Maoist cadre by providing shelter, procuring weapons, managing levy collection, and organizing meetings.
The case stems from an incident in March 2024 at the Tonto police station in Chaibasa district, involving five individuals. During the probe, authorities recovered a considerable amount of cash and suspicious items associated with a senior CPI (Maoist) leader, Misir Besra. The NIA took over the investigation in July 2024. As a result of Devgam’s information, concealed items were discovered within a forest situated between Husipi and Rajabhasa villages. The recovered items included 10.50 lakh rupees in cash, along with explosives, communication devices, and records of levy collection.
The NIA has charged Rajesh Devgam under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The agency maintains that Devgam played an essential role in providing financial and logistical support to the Maoist organization. Furthermore, the NIA conducted raids in January across nine locations in West Singhbhum. During these raids, several suspected individuals and Maoist sympathizers had their mobile phones, memory cards, SIM cards, and other incriminating materials seized.
The CPI (Maoist), a banned organization in India, is primarily active in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. They are known for sheltering Naxalites and aiming to overthrow the Indian government to establish a communist state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced an objective to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026. The recent actions by the NIA are seen as a significant stride towards achieving this target.
The NIA has stated that investigations are continuing against other suspects and Maoist supporters, with further arrests anticipated. This effort is intended to reinforce the ongoing campaign against Naxalism. The charges against Devgam and the retrieved materials emphasize the commitment of investigative bodies to undermine Maoist operations within Jharkhand.