An extensive crackdown on the proscribed naxal faction in an alleged anti-Indian conspiracy matter was executed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday, targeting the premises of individuals accused and suspected across 12 locations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Among these, 11 sites underwent scrutiny in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, while one location fell under investigation in Kaimur district of Bihar, pertaining to the case originally filed by Uttar Pradesh’s Anti Terror Squad (ATS). Numerous digital gadgets, such as cellular devices, SIM cards, and memory cards, alongside incriminating paperwork like brochures affiliated with the banned naxal faction, were confiscated during the investigative sweep, as disclosed by the NIA. The agency had undertaken control of the inquiry into the case, linked to the apprehension of five individuals subsequent to the seizure of weaponry, ammunition, damning documents, literature, and books associated with CPI (Maoist) in Ballia on November 10 of the preceding year.
On February 9 of the current year, the agency formally indicted four suspects in the aforementioned case. Based on the findings of NIA’s probe thus far, the prohibited organization is actively engaged in revitalizing its influence within the Northern Regional Bureau, encompassing Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. The NIA asserted that leaders, members, supporters, and Over Ground Workers (OGWs) affiliated with CPI (Maoist) or naxals are endeavoring to resurrect the group’s deteriorating presence in this geographical expanse, further stating that the NIA has been vigorously countering the organization’s malevolent schemes in recent months.
