New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency arrested absconding accused Chandan Kumar on Thursday in Mumbai in connection with a 2021 conspiracy case aimed at reviving the banned CPI (Maoist) in Bihar’s Magadh Zone.

A resident of Jehanabad district in Bihar, Chandan was an active member of the outfit and played a key role in fundraising through extortion and levy collection from contractors, as well as motivating former cadres to rejoin for terrorist activities.

The NIA Special Court in Ranchi, Jharkhand, had declared him an absconder and issued non-bailable warrants against him in October 2023.

The agency had registered the case suo moto in December 2021 against Pradyuman Sharma, a Special Area Committee Member of CPI (Maoist), along with Yogendra Ravidas, Nagendra Giri (an armed cadre), Abhinav alias Gaurav alias Bittu, and Dhananjay Paswan (an arms supplier).

Investigations revealed a conspiracy to re-energize the organization in the Magadh Zone by raising funds for procuring arms, ammunition, and training cadres in IED fabrication.

Funds were laundered through various channels, and plans included connecting with incarcerated Naxals and Over Ground Workers in jails to execute revival efforts.

The NIA had earlier filed a chargesheet against the five named accused, all CPI (Maoist) members, and launched a manhunt for Chandan Kumar.

This arrest marks a significant step in dismantling the terror financing and revival network in the region, where Maoist influence has historically been strong in rural and forested areas of Bihar and adjoining states.

The Magadh Zone, encompassing districts like Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Gaya, and Arwal, has seen repeated attempts by the outfit to regroup despite sustained security operations.

The NIA’s probe has exposed how extortion from contractors, business establishments, and toll plazas funded arms procurement and cadre recruitment, aiming to disrupt sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Past chargesheets in related phases of the case have implicated senior leaders and supporters, including links to Central Committee members facilitating coordination between Bihar and Jharkhand operatives.

Chandan Kumar’s capture follows earlier arrests and supplementary chargesheets in the case, which have weakened urban and overground support structures for the banned group.

The NIA continues its investigation to trace further linkages, potential financiers, and remaining absconders, emphasizing its commitment to eradicating Left-Wing Extremism networks through coordinated enforcement.

This development aligns with broader national efforts to curb Maoist revival attempts, particularly in Bihar and Jharkhand, where intelligence-led operations have led to surrenders, arrests, and seizures in recent years. Authorities believe such actions will deter remaining cadres and OGWs from pursuing violent ideologies.

–IANS

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