The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a series of searches on Saturday in connection with the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly poll IED blast case. These operations took place across multiple locations in the Gariyaband district, targeting individuals suspected of involvement in the blast.
The incident in question occurred on November 17 last year, when a convoy of polling and security personnel was returning from the village of Bade Cobra after the state assembly elections.
The blast, which was orchestrated by cadres of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), resulted in the death of a Head Constable from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) ADHOC 615 Battalion. This tragic event has drawn significant attention from investigative agencies due to its connection with the ongoing Maoist insurgency in the region.
During Saturday's operation, NIA teams searched premises linked to nine suspects in the remote and Maoist-affected village of Chhote Cobra, located under the jurisdiction of the Manipur police station.
The searches were part of the agency’s efforts to uncover more details about those involved in the blast and to gather evidence related to the case. Several mobile phones and other digital devices were seized, which are expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation.
The NIA took over the case in March of this year, under case RC – 05 /2024/NIA/RPR, and has since been diligently working to trace the perpetrators behind the attack.
The investigation has so far led to the identification of several supporters and over-ground workers (OGWs) of the CPI (Maoist), who are believed to have played a role in facilitating the deadly attack. These individuals are suspected of providing logistical support to the banned Maoist outfit, helping them in the planning and execution of the blast.
The operation marks a significant step in the NIA's efforts to crack down on Maoist activities in Chhattisgarh, particularly those that disrupt democratic processes such as state elections.
The agency is continuing its investigation to ensure that all those involved in this act of violence are brought to justice. The recent seizures and the identification of suspects could provide crucial leads that may help in dismantling the support network of the Maoists in the region.
The NIA's ongoing efforts reflect the broader security challenges in Chhattisgarh, where Maoist insurgency remains a significant concern. The outcome of these investigations is eagerly awaited, as they may offer insights into the operational strategies of the Maoist cadres and help prevent future attacks in the region.
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