NIA files supplementary terror charges against 2 Kerala CPI(Maoist) rebels

IANS May 22, 2025 251 views

The National Investigation Agency has filed supplementary terror charges against two CPI(Maoist) rebels for organizing recruitment camps in the Western Ghats. R. Ragavendran and B.G. Krishnamurthy are accused of training cadres and planning activities to destabilize the country. The charges include conspiracy to commit terrorist acts under multiple legal sections. The case, originally registered in February 2022, focuses on the banned organization's armed wing recruitment strategies.

"Provided arms and ideological training to equip cadres to wage war against the nation" - NIA Statement
New Delhi, May 22: A Special NIA court in Kerala received a fresh set of charges related to waging war against the government against two accused in the 2022 case related to the recruitment of youths for the armed wing of the banned CPI (Maoist) terrorist organisation, an official said on Thursday.

Key Points

1

NIA files charges against two CPI(Maoist) Central Committee members

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Accused organized terror camps in Western Ghats forests

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Charged under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act

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Recruitment case registered in February 2022

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said the supplementary charge sheet was filed before the NIA Special Court, Ernakulam, against R. Ragavendran alias Raghavendra alias Gautham alias Murukesh alias Raghaveendran and B.G. Krishnamurthy alias Vijay alias Babanna alias Baskar alias Kumara alias Gangadhara alias Gopal Rao.

Krishnamurthy, a Central Committee Member of the CPI (Maoist), provided arms and ideological training to other accused in the forests of the Western Ghats, to equip them to wage war against the nation, said the NIA in a statement.

Hailing from Chikkamangalur district of Karnataka, he had been inducted into the Kabani Dalam squad of CPI (Maoist) to organise terrorist camps and train the Under Ground (UG) cadres of the banned outfit, it said.

Ragavendran of Vellore, Tamil Nadu, was a part of the terror camp, said the NIA.

The NIA charged them under sections 18, 18B, 20, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act with conspiracy to commit terrorist acts and other offences.

The NIA said the accused have also been charged under sections 120B,121A, and 122 of the Indian Penal Code that deal with offences related to criminal conspiracy and collecting arms to wage war against the government.

The People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) case was registered suo moto by the NIA in February 2022.

It relates to the recruitment of cadres into CPI (Maoist) and its armed wing, PLGA, involved in organising camps to further the activities of the Maoist organisation and its frontal outfit to destabilise the country.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Strong action by NIA is needed against these Maoist elements. They are a threat to our nation's unity and development. Kerala's youth should focus on education and jobs, not this violent ideology. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While I support strong action against terrorism, I hope the government also addresses the root causes that make some youth vulnerable to such ideologies. Development schemes should reach tribal areas faster.
A
Arjun S.
These Maoist groups operate across state borders - Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu. Need better coordination between state police forces. The Western Ghats terrain makes it challenging but our agencies are doing good work.
S
Sunita R.
The multiple aliases show how these operatives try to evade authorities. Good that NIA is tracking them down. But media should be careful not to glorify such elements while reporting.
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Vikram N.
As someone from Kerala, I can say most people here reject violence. But we must understand why some educated youth get radicalized. Better counseling in colleges and job opportunities can prevent this.
K
Kavita P.
The charges under UAPA seem appropriate given the seriousness. But hope the judicial process is fair and transparent. We've seen cases where innocent people got trapped in long legal battles.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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NIA CPI(Maoist) Terror Charges Ragavendran Krishnamurthy Maoist Rebels Kerala