The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its crackdown on Maoist activities in Jharkhand. A supplementary chargesheet was filed against Rajesh Devgam of West Singhbhum in the special NIA court in Ranchi on July 3rd. Devgam is accused of working for the banned terrorist organization CPI (Maoist). According to the NIA, Devgam aided in sheltering Maoist cadres, procuring weapons, collecting extortion money (levy), and organizing meetings for the organization.
The case originated in March 2024 when a case was registered against five individuals at the Tonto police station in Chaibasa district. During the investigation, a substantial amount of cash and suspicious materials linked to senior CPI (Maoist) leader Misir Besra were recovered. The NIA took over the investigation in July 2024. Based on Devgam’s information, hidden items were recovered from a forest between Husipi and Rajabhasa villages. These included 10.50 lakh rupees in cash, gelatin sticks, walkie-talkies, a Samsung tablet, power banks, radio sets, and receipts for levy collection.
The NIA has filed the chargesheet against Rajesh Devgam under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Arms Act, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The agency states that Devgam played a significant role in providing logistical and financial support to the Maoist organization. In January, the NIA also conducted raids at nine locations in West Singhbhum, seizing mobile phones, memory cards, SIM cards, and other incriminating materials from the hideouts of several suspects and Maoist supporters. These raids were part of the same case in which Devgam was arrested.
The CPI (Maoist) is a banned organization in India, most active in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, known for sheltering Naxalites. The main objective of the Naxalites is to overthrow the Indian government and establish a communist state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated earlier this year that Naxalism would be completely eradicated by March 31, 2026. The NIA’s action is a significant step in that direction.
The NIA has stated that the investigation of other suspects and Maoist supporters in this case is ongoing. Further arrests may be made soon. This action is an important step towards strengthening the ongoing campaign against Naxalism. The recent action by the NIA has dealt a major blow to the Maoist network in Jharkhand. The chargesheet against Rajesh Devgam and the recovery of items from the forest are evidence that the investigating agencies are fully prepared to weaken Maoist activities.
