NIA Chargesheets Two Maoist Operatives in Chhattisgarh Explosives Case | File Photo
Mumbai: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed a chargesheet against two operatives of the banned CPI (Maoist) for their alleged involvement in the procurement and supply of explosives in Chhattisgarh. The chargesheet was submitted before the NIA Special Court in Jagdalpur.
The accused, identified as Mantosh Mandal and Sela Nagarjun alias S. Nagarjun, both residents of Patnampara in Sukma district, have been charged under various sections of the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
According to the NIA, the two individuals acted as overground workers (OGWs) and supporters of the proscribed CPI (Maoist). Investigations revealed that they were actively engaged in the online purchase of explosives and other essential items for the Maoist outfit. The accused were also found to be in illegal possession of explosives intended for use in the Jagargunda area of Sukma, specifically for the preparation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) targeting security forces.
The case was initially registered by the state police after Mantosh and Sela were apprehended on September 25, 2024. Their arrest led to the recovery of significant quantities of explosive materials, including tiffin bombs, detonators, potassium nitrate, aluminium metal powder, as well as Naxal literature, packaging material, and mobile phones containing incriminating evidence.
The NIA took over the investigation and re-registered the case on December 23, 2024. Further investigations into the wider network involved in the procurement and supply of explosives are currently underway, the agency stated.
