Narayanpur/Raipur, 4 September (HS): In connection with the Maoists' bandh on March 20, 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday conducted raids in Naxal-affected areas of Abujhmad and arrested four Naxalites connected to urban network of Naxalites. These people are accused of supplying logistics to the Maoist organisation and helping in other works.

In this case, the investigating agency is also questioning 35 other Maoists. In the investigation, Maad Bachao Manch leader Lakhma Korram, who has been on a dharna in Orchha for a long time, is accused of being a Maoist.

According to the information, the NIA team reached the associates of the Naxalites in Orchha, Kasturmeta, Mandali and Malkal villages of Abujhmad. Raids were conducted in the highly Naxal-affected areas of Abujhmad and four people associated with the urban network of Naxalites have been arrested.

The NIA issued a statement saying that searches were conducted at several places in Narayanpur district on Tuesday in search of CPI (Maoist) cadres and supporters responsible for the road blockade case in March 2023. A total of 35 accused have been identified in the case related to the incident. These include those workers and supporters of the banned organisation, who blocked the Narayanpur-Orchha main road near India Gate Rainar by digging various parts, cutting trees and breaking large rocks into small pieces at several places. The purpose of the blockade was to kill the police parties and loot their weapons.

During the NIA investigation, the names of some CPI (Maoist) supporters and over gound workers (OGWs) had come to the fore. They are suspected to be members of Maad Bachao Manch, the frontal organisation of CPI (Maoist). They are believed to have assisted the CPI (Maoist) in carrying out the crime. Lakhma Ram alias Lakhma Korram, leader of Maad Bachao Manch in Orchha, is a chargesheeted Maoist in the case.

Investigation revealed that Maad Bachao Manch organises protests against encounters and helps set up new camps for the banned outfit besides providing them logistical support. They also organise various meetings under the banner of “Mad Bachao Manch” to propagate CPI (Maoist) ideology. Members of the frontal organisation also work to deliver essential materials etc. to the Maoist cadres. Investigation is underway in the case.

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar