The two individuals arrested, Dhanesh Ram Dhruw and Ramswarup Markam, were reportedly active members of CPI(Maoist) and provided logistical support to the militants who executed the deadly attack. According to the NIA’s investigation, the two overground workers helped the perpetrators in planning and carrying out the IED explosion, which targeted a polling team that was returning after the completion of voting in the region.
The blast occurred as the polling team, accompanied by security personnel, was leaving the village after carrying out the electoral process. Tragically, a head constable of the ITBP was killed, and the attack sparked significant outrage in the state, especially given the timing of the assault during the high-stakes state elections.
Maoist Plot Behind Chhattisgarh IED Blast
As per NIA investigations, the attack was masterminded by key members of the CPI(Maoist) Central Committee, namely Ganesh Uikey and Manoj, alongside Special Zonal Committee member Satyam Gawade. This explosive act was part of a larger Maoist strategy to disrupt the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections and enforce their call for a boycott of the democratic process. The group aimed to prevent voters from exercising their right to vote, leveraging terror and violence to force compliance with their demands.
NIA’s findings reveal that the IED blast was carried out by the Gobra Dalam faction of CPI(Maoist), with the help of overground workers from local villages such as Badegobra and Chhotegobra. The Maoist group strategically positioned its operatives in these villages, where they provided logistical support and helped transport the materials used in the attack. The involvement of overground workers, individuals who assist the militants in various support roles, has been a key element of this case.
NIA Takes Over the Investigation
The case, initially registered at the Mainpur police station, was transferred to the NIA for further investigation on February 22, 2024. Since taking over the case, the NIA has made significant progress, leading to the arrest of Dhruw and Markam, two critical players in the Maoist network in the region. In December 2024, the NIA filed charges against 10 individuals, all of whom are suspected of being involved in the planning and execution of the Chhattisgarh IED blast.
The investigation continues as NIA officials work to identify and arrest other individuals linked to this attack, including those who may have provided direct assistance to the CPI(Maoist) cadres responsible for carrying out the explosion. The NIA has emphasized that it is committed to ensuring justice for the families of the victims and eradicating the Maoist terror network operating in the region.
CPI(Maoist) and Naxal Violence in Chhattisgarh
The state of Chhattisgarh has long been a hotspot for Maoist insurgency, with the CPI(Maoist) and its various factions engaging in violent activities aimed at destabilizing the state’s democratic processes. The group has been known to use tactics such as bombings, ambushes, and other forms of violence to further its ideological agenda, often targeting security forces, government institutions, and civilians. The 2023 IED blast in Chhattisgarh was not an isolated incident, as the region has witnessed several such attacks in the past.
The involvement of local overground workers has proven to be a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies, as these individuals act as vital links between the insurgents and the local communities. Overground workers are often seen as facilitators who help provide shelter, supplies, and intelligence to the Maoist cadres. Their role in facilitating the violence is crucial, which is why their arrest is an important step in dismantling the network.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Actions
With the NIA’s intervention in this case, the investigation has taken on a more focused approach, with the agency employing specialized counter-terrorism techniques to track down the individuals responsible for the 2023 Chhattisgarh blast. The NIA has also been working closely with local police forces, intelligence agencies, and other state authorities to gather intelligence and conduct further raids to apprehend additional suspects.
While the arrests of Dhruw and Markam mark a significant success in the fight against Naxal violence in Chhattisgarh, the NIA’s investigation is far from over. Authorities are continuing to probe the involvement of other Maoist operatives and overground workers, ensuring that all those who played a role in the deadly blast are brought to justice. The NIA has promised to continue its efforts to ensure that the Maoist threat is neutralized, and the people of Chhattisgarh can live in peace, free from the constant fear of violence and terror.
Impact of the NIA Arrests on Chhattisgarh’s Security Situation
The arrests of two key CPI(Maoist) overground workers are expected to have a significant impact on Chhattisgarh’s security situation, especially in the context of the upcoming elections and the ongoing battle against Maoist insurgents. While these arrests are a step forward, the state remains vulnerable to further attacks by the Maoist group, which continues to operate in remote areas of the state.
The NIA’s continued efforts to investigate the broader network of overground workers and militants will play a crucial role in weakening the grip of Maoist insurgents on the region. By dismantling these terror cells, the NIA hopes to create a safer environment for the people of Chhattisgarh, ensuring that future elections and civic processes are not disrupted by violence.
