Raipur, April 2 (IANS) In a significant development, the Chhattisgarh High Court has delivered a major blow to Amit Jogi, son of former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, declaring him a convict and ordering him to surrender within three weeks in the high-profile Ramavtar Jaggi murder case.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha pronounced the order while hearing proceedings in the 2003 murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ramavtar Jaggi.

The court directed Amit Jogi to appear before it within the stipulated period.

The case dates back to June 4, 2003, when Ramavtar Jaggi was shot dead in Raipur. A total of 31 individuals were named as accused in the sensational political murder. Two of them — Baltu Pathak and Surendra Singh — turned approvers and became government witnesses.

While 28 accused were convicted by the trial court, Amit Jogi was acquitted, citing insufficient evidence.

Following the acquittal, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted an extensive 11,000-page investigation report, which included charges against Amit Jogi.

The case saw multiple legal twists; Satish Jaggi, son of the slain leader, challenged the acquittal in the Supreme Court. The apex court initially granted a stay in favour of Amit Jogi and later transferred the matter to the Chhattisgarh High Court for fresh consideration.

After years of litigation, the Supreme Court in November 2025 condoned a significant delay by the CBI and directed the High Court to re-examine the appeal against Amit Jogi’s acquittal on merits.

The High Court has now reopened the proceedings, leading to the latest order directing his surrender.

Reacting sharply to the verdict, Amit Jogi took to his X handle and expressed deep disappointment.

In his post addressed to “Dear Friends and Well-wishers”, he wrote: “Today, the Honourable High Court allowed the CBI’s appeal against me in a mere 40 minutes – without granting me an opportunity to be heard. I regret that a person whom the court had previously acquitted has now been convicted without being granted a single opportunity for a hearing. This is unprecedented. The court has granted me a period of three weeks to surrender. I feel that a grave injustice has been done to me. I have full faith that I will certainly receive justice from the Supreme Court. I repose my complete faith in the judicial system. I am moving forward with absolute peace, faith, and patience. Truth shall surely prevail. I urge you all to pray for me and continue to bestow your blessings upon me. Jai Chhattisgarh.”

The murder had rocked Chhattisgarh when Ajit Jogi was the Chief Minister. Allegations at the time had pointed to a political conspiracy, though the trial court had acquitted Amit Jogi while convicting others.

Amit Jogi’s legal team is likely to explore available options, including possible appeals.

–IANS

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Raipur, April 2 (IANS) In a significant development, the Chhattisgarh High Court has delivered a major blow to Amit Jogi, son of former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, declaring him a convict and ordering him to surrender within three weeks in the high-profile Ramavtar Jaggi murder case.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha pronounced the order while hearing proceedings in the 2003 murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ramavtar Jaggi.

The court directed Amit Jogi to appear before it within the stipulated period.

The case dates back to June 4, 2003, when Ramavtar Jaggi was shot dead in Raipur. A total of 31 individuals were named as accused in the sensational political murder. Two of them — Baltu Pathak and Surendra Singh — turned approvers and became government witnesses.

While 28 accused were convicted by the trial court, Amit Jogi was acquitted, citing insufficient evidence.

Following the acquittal, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted an extensive 11,000-page investigation report, which included charges against Amit Jogi.

The case saw multiple legal twists; Satish Jaggi, son of the slain leader, challenged the acquittal in the Supreme Court. The apex court initially granted a stay in favour of Amit Jogi and later transferred the matter to the Chhattisgarh High Court for fresh consideration.

After years of litigation, the Supreme Court in November 2025 condoned a significant delay by the CBI and directed the High Court to re-examine the appeal against Amit Jogi’s acquittal on merits.

The High Court has now reopened the proceedings, leading to the latest order directing his surrender.

Reacting sharply to the verdict, Amit Jogi took to his X handle and expressed deep disappointment.

In his post addressed to “Dear Friends and Well-wishers”, he wrote: “Today, the Honourable High Court allowed the CBI’s appeal against me in a mere 40 minutes – without granting me an opportunity to be heard. I regret that a person whom the court had previously acquitted has now been convicted without being granted a single opportunity for a hearing. This is unprecedented. The court has granted me a period of three weeks to surrender. I feel that a grave injustice has been done to me. I have full faith that I will certainly receive justice from the Supreme Court. I repose my complete faith in the judicial system. I am moving forward with absolute peace, faith, and patience. Truth shall surely prevail. I urge you all to pray for me and continue to bestow your blessings upon me. Jai Chhattisgarh.”

The murder had rocked Chhattisgarh when Ajit Jogi was the Chief Minister. Allegations at the time had pointed to a political conspiracy, though the trial court had acquitted Amit Jogi while convicting others.

Amit Jogi’s legal team is likely to explore available options, including possible appeals.

–IANS

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