New Delhi – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a fresh charge sheet against two more individuals in connection with a 2022 case involving the recovery of arms and ammunition linked to a CPI (Maoist) conspiracy to launch attacks on security forces in Jharkhand.
The latest charge sheet names Ranthu Oraon and Niraj Singh Kherwar, both residents of Jharkhand, bringing the total number of accused in the case (RC-02/2022/NIA/RNC) to 25.
The duo has been charged under the Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, and various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The case dates back to February 2022, when acting on intelligence inputs, the Jharkhand Police and CRPF carried out a joint operation in the Bulbul forest area of Lohardaga district. It was reported that CPI (Maoist) operatives had assembled there to plan an attack on security forces in the Bauxite Mines Area, in retaliation for the arrest of their top commander, Prashant Bose.
The meeting was led by the group’s Regional Commander, Ravindra Ganjhu, along with active cadres Balram Oraon, Muneshwar Ganjhu, and around 45 to 60 armed members.
While en route to Bahabar Jungle, the security forces were ambushed and fired upon indiscriminately by Maoist cadres at Harkatta Toli and Bangla Pat, resulting in an encounter. Following the gunfight, a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered during an intensive search of the area.
Initially, Jharkhand Police had charge-sheeted nine individuals. Between August 2023 and May 2025, the NIA filed five supplementary charge sheets against a total of 23 individuals, which included the nine earlier charge-sheeted by state police and additionally charged by the NIA under new sections.
During its investigation, the NIA uncovered that the conspiracy was part of a broader Maoist strategy to carry out terrorist activities, promote armed rebellion, and destabilize the nation’s integrity, security, and sovereignty.
Evidence gathered points to the involvement of senior Maoist leaders, including Zonal, Sub-Zonal, and Area Commanders, as well as armed cadres. The NIA also identified overground workers and supporters of the group and continues to track down remaining co-conspirators as part of its wider mission to dismantle the CPI (Maoist) network across India.
With inputs from IANS