Raipur/Narayanpur, August 11 (IANS) Three persons have been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment and fines by the Special Court under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, for supplying explosive materials intended for Naxalite activities in the district.
The three convicted persons are Chameli Bai, Ravi Markam alias Sushil, and Kosru Vadde. The court found them guilty on the basis of witness testimonies and other evidence collected during the investigation.
The sentences awarded to them included seven years of rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 1,000 each under Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, two years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 500 under Section 10(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and five years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 500 each under various sections of the UAPA.
The case originated from information received by Narayanpur police on March 19, 2024. An informant reported that certain individuals in Taragaon village had concealed explosive substances—including potassium nitrate, Cordex wire and detonators—inside bundles of medicinal herbs with the intention of delivering them to Naxalites.
Acting on the tip-off, police recovered four detonators, seven sacks of potassium nitrate, seven metres of red Cordex wire and two mobile phones from the accused, police officials said.
Owing to the seriousness of the matter, the investigation was transferred to the state investigation agency at police headquarters in Raipur. Interrogation and technical evidence established that the explosives were to be transported from Narayanpur market to Taragaon through Ravi Markam and Chameli Bai for onward supply to Naxalite cadres and their suppliers.
During the probe, Kosru Vadde, son of Masa Vadde and a resident of Gawadi village under Thulthuli Panchayat in Orchha police station limits of Narayanpur district, was also identified as an accused. He was arrested by the State Investigation Agency and remanded to judicial custody.
After completion of the investigation, a chargesheet was filed before the Special Court (NIA Act), Narayanpur.
Narayanpur Police and the state investigation agency stated that they continue to take firm action against those supporting Naxal activities and will proceed against anyone involved in actions that threaten law, order and security.
--IANS
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