NIA Court sentences four Naxalites to life imprisonment in 2014 case
Raipur
In a landmark verdict, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) special court in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district has handed down life imprisonment to four notorious Naxalites for their role in a heinous Maoist assault that shook the nation in 2014. The attack, which took place on March 11, 2014, near the Tahakwada village under the jurisdiction of Tongpal police station in Sukma district, resulted in the tragic loss of fifteen security personnel and one civilian.
The convicted individuals, namely Mahadev Nag, Kawasi Joga, Mani Ram Madiya (all residents of Bastar district), and Dayaram Baghel (a native of neighboring Sukma district), were found guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosives Act, and the Arms Act. Special Judge (NIA Act) Jagdalpur DR Dewangan delivered the verdict on Monday, marking the culmination of a lengthy legal process.
The Tahakwada attack sent shockwaves across the region, as armed Naxalites ambushed a road opening party comprising personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and state police. The assailants unleashed a barrage of gunfire and explosives, resulting in the tragic loss of lives. Among the victims were eleven CRPF personnel and four members of the state police, along with an innocent civilian caught in the crossfire.
Initially, the Tongpal police swiftly responded to the incident by filing a First Information Report (FIR) against senior Naxal leaders, including Sonadhar, Shankar, Ganesh Uike, Vinod, Sumitra, and scores of other active cadres associated with the proscribed organization CPI(Maoist). However, recognizing the gravity of the attack and the need for a thorough investigation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) subsequently took over the case.
The meticulous investigation led by the NIA eventually resulted in the arrest of Mahadev Nag, Kawasi Joga, Mani Ram Madiya, and Dayaram Baghel, among other accused individuals. Their trial, which spanned several years, involved the examination of numerous witnesses and the presentation of compelling evidence.
The sentencing of the four Naxalites to life imprisonment stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice and the unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law in the face of insurgency and violence. As the nation grapples with the scourge of Naxalism, this verdict serves as a stark reminder that perpetrators of such heinous acts will be held accountable for their actions.
With the curtains drawn on this chapter of legal proceedings, the families of the victims find solace in knowing that justice has been served. However, the scars left by the Tahakwada attack serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave security personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. As the nation pays homage to their courage and valor, it also reaffirms its commitment to combating extremism and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
