The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed a chargesheet against five workers and cadres of the CPI (Maoist) terror organisation for their involvement in the murder of an Indian Army personnel in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district in 2023, the agency said in a press release.
In a supplementary chargesheet filed before the NIA Special Court in Jagdalpur, the accused – Bhawan Lal Jain, Suresh Kumar Salam, Shailendra Kumar Baghel, Anduram Salam and Sonu Hemla – were charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
According to the NIA, Motiram Achala, a personnel of the Indian Army, was shot dead by armed cadres of the CPI (Maoist) at the Useli village fair in the Amabeda area of Kanker district in February 2023, while he was visiting his family.
Investigations revealed that Jain, Salam, Baghel and Anduram Salam were active Over Ground Workers (OGWs), while Hemla was an armed cadre of the Kuyemari Area Committee of the CPI (Maoist)’s North Bastar Division.
Working with another senior Maoist leader, they had identified Achala and killed him at the local bazaar, the agency said.
The NIA said it arrested all five accused in March this year in connection with the conspiracy, which was aimed at striking fear in the local population. In June, the agency also chargesheeted another accused, Ashu Korsa, in the case, which it had taken over from the local police in February 2024.
Further investigation is continuing.
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