The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a crackdown on Maoist activities in Jharkhand. A supplementary chargesheet was filed against Rajesh Devgam in a special NIA court in Ranchi on July 3rd. Devgam is accused of assisting the banned CPI (Maoist) organization.
The NIA’s investigation revealed that Devgam aided in sheltering Maoist cadres, acquiring weapons, collecting extortion money (levy), and arranging organizational meetings. The case stems from a March 2024 incident at the Tonto police station in Chaibasa district where five individuals were implicated. During the investigation, significant cash and suspicious materials connected to CPI (Maoist) leader Misir Besra were recovered. The NIA assumed control of the investigation in July 2024.
Based on information provided by Devgam, hidden items were discovered in a forest between Husipi and Rajabhasa villages. These items included 10.50 lakh rupees in cash, gelatin sticks, walkie-talkies, a Samsung tablet, power banks, radio sets, and levy collection receipts. The NIA has charged Devgam under various sections of the IPC, Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, and UAPA, alleging his significant role in providing logistical and financial support to the Maoist group.
In January, the NIA conducted raids across nine locations in West Singhbhum, seizing mobile phones, memory cards, SIM cards, and other potentially incriminating materials from suspects and Maoist sympathizers. These actions were part of the ongoing investigation that led to Devgam’s arrest. The CPI (Maoist) is a banned organization, primarily active in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. They are known for providing shelter to Naxalites, whose primary aim is to overthrow the Indian government and establish a communist regime.
Earlier this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a target to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026. The NIA’s recent actions are viewed as a substantial stride towards achieving this goal. The NIA has indicated that the investigation into other suspects and Maoist supporters is underway, and further arrests are anticipated. This operation is aimed at fortifying the fight against Naxalism. The charges against Devgam and the recovered materials are evidence of the investigation agencies’ commitment to weakening Maoist operations in Jharkhand.