The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken decisive action against Maoist activities in Jharkhand, filing a supplementary chargesheet against Rajesh Devgam in Ranchi’s special NIA court on July 3. Devgam stands accused of supporting the outlawed CPI (Maoist) group. The NIA’s investigation highlights Devgam’s alleged involvement in providing shelter to Maoist cadres, facilitating weapon procurement, collecting extortion (levy), and organizing meetings for the organization.
The case originates from an incident in March 2024 at Tonto police station in Chaibasa district, implicating five individuals. The investigation led to the recovery of a substantial sum of cash and suspicious materials connected to senior CPI (Maoist) leader Misir Besra. The NIA took charge of the investigation in July 2024. Based on information provided by Devgam, a search led to the recovery of hidden items in a forest between Husipi and Rajabhasa villages, including 10.50 lakh rupees in cash, explosive materials, communication devices, and levy collection records.
Rajesh Devgam is charged by the NIA under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The NIA asserts that Devgam played a key role in providing essential logistical and financial assistance to the Maoist organization. Earlier in January, the NIA had conducted raids in West Singhbhum at nine locations, leading to the seizure of phones, memory cards, and other potentially incriminating evidence from individuals suspected of supporting Maoists.
The CPI (Maoist) is a banned organization in India, known for operating primarily in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Their goal is to overthrow the Indian government and establish a communist state. The Union Home Minister has set a target to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026, and the NIA’s current operation represents a significant move in this direction.
The NIA’s investigation is ongoing, with further arrests of suspects and Maoist supporters expected. This operation further strengthens the campaign against Naxalism. The charges against Devgam and the recovered materials offer concrete evidence of the investigative agencies’ commitment to suppressing Maoist activities within Jharkhand.
