NIA Chargesheets Two More Maoists in 2022 Jharkhand Arms Recovery Case

New Delhi – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a fresh chargesheet against two more individuals in connection with a 2022 case involving the recovery of arms and ammunition during a CPI (Maoist) plot to attack security forces in Jharkhand.

The two accused — Ranthu Oraon and Niraj Singh Kherwar, both from Jharkhand — have been charged under the Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, and relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). With this, the total number of people named in the case (RC-02/2022/NIA/RNC) has reached 25.

The case stems from a joint operation by the Jharkhand Police and CRPF in February 2022, in the Bulbul forest area of Lohardaga district. Acting on specific intelligence, the forces had launched a search operation after learning that CPI (Maoist) operatives had assembled to plan a retaliatory strike in the Bauxite Mines Area, following the arrest of senior Maoist leader Prashant Bose.

The meeting was led by Regional Commander Ravindra Ganjhu, along with key cadres Balram Oraon, Muneshwar Ganjhu, and 45–60 armed Maoists. On the way to Bahabar Jungle, the security forces were ambushed by Maoists at Harkatta Toli and Bangla Pat, leading to a fierce encounter. A significant cache of arms and ammunition was seized during the follow-up search.

Initially, nine accused were charge-sheeted by the Jharkhand Police. Later, from August 2023 to May 2025, the NIA filed five supplementary charge sheets, bringing more individuals under the scope of the investigation — including those already named by state police, but now facing additional charges.

The NIA probe revealed that the group had conspired to carry out terrorist acts, launch armed rebellion, and disrupt national security and governance structures. The agency also uncovered the involvement of high-ranking CPI (Maoist) operatives — including Zonal, Sub-Zonal, and Area Commanders — along with several armed cadres and overground workers.

The NIA stated that it is actively pursuing other conspirators to fully dismantle the CPI (Maoist) network in the region.

With inputs from IANS