The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out raids at 31 locations in Bihar on Thursday, uncovering a conspiracy by members of the banned CPI-Maoist to revive its presence in the Magadh zone, news agency PTI reported citing an official familiar with the matter.
As per the report, the targeted areas included Aurangabad, Rohtash, Kaimur, Gaya, and Saran (Chhapra), where the federal agency searched the residences of both accused and suspected individuals. The NIA spokesperson disclosed that the investigation exposed the involvement of high-ranking CPI(Maoist) commanders in the revival plot affecting Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Seized items during the raids comprised two country-made pistols, over Rs 3.53 lakh in cash, various digital devices (mobile phones, SIM cards, SD cards, and hard discs), and incriminating documents, the NIA spokesperson confirmed, according to the report.
These operations were part of the ongoing investigation into two separate cases registered earlier this year, focusing on the residential premises of four arrested individuals identified as commanders of the CPI(Maoist). Additionally, 27 suspected overground workers, supporters, and sympathizers of the outfit were targeted during the searches.
The investigations have revealed that the four arrested individuals had conspired with others to revive and fortify the CPI(Maoist) cadres in the Magadh Zone, the official told PTI.
The first case, initially registered at Tikari police station in Gaya on August 10, involved the arrest of Pramod Mishra, chief of the Eastern Regional Bureau of the CPI(Maoist), and Sub-Zonal Commander Anil Yadav. They were conspiring to commit unlawful activities and strengthen the cadres in the Magadh area. The NIA took over and re-registered the case on August 31.
The second case, initially registered on August 7 at the Goh police station in Aurangabad and re-registered by the NIA on September 26, related to the recovery of two booklets concerning the CPI(Maoist) Magadh Zonal Sangathnic Committee, along with arms and ammunition, from the possession of accused persons Rohit Rai and Pramod Yadav. The duo, along with their associates, were conspiring to commit unlawful activities and extorting levies from contractors and brick kiln owners to promote the violent activities of the CPI(Maoist).