NIA conducts raids in 5 states to probe revival attempts by naxal outfit

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday searched multiple locations in five states including Punjab and Haryana in connection with a case relating to attempts of revival of the banned CPI (Maoist) terrorist organisation in the Northern Regional Bureau (NRB) region.

Extensive searches were conducted at the premises of suspects at two locations in Patiala and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts of Punjab, four locations in Manesar and Gurugram districts of Haryana, two locations in New Delhi, and one location each in Patna district of Bihar and Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh.

The suspects whose premises were searched were believed to be involved in propagating the ideology of CPI (Maoist) and revival of its NRB wing through various frontal organisations.

The searches led to the seizure of digital devices, including mobile phones, pen drives/hard discs, laptops and memory cards, SIM cards and other incriminating documents related to Naxalism.

The case relates to attempts by CPI (Maoist) leaders, cadres, sympathisers and over ground workers (OGWs) to reenergise the outfit’s influence in the NRB region, comprising UP, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

NIA investigations have revealed that long-time associates and other OGWs of the outfit were being provided funds from the Eastern Regional Bureau (ERB), especially from Jharkhand, to recruit cadres and raise the front organisation in the northern states.

Further investigations have revealed that several front organisations and student wings had been tasked with identifying suitable recruits to work as underground cadres to wage war against Central Government and to commit violent Naxal and terror acts. Further probe is underway in the matter, sources said.