NIA Charges Two Bihar Residents in CPI (Maoist) Magadh Zone Revival Terror Financing Conspiracy

NIA conducts raids in Bihar

RANCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took a significant step in dismantling the CPI (Maoist) terror financing network by filing a second supplementary chargesheet on Monday. The chargesheet pertains to the outfit’s efforts to revive Naxal activities in the Magadh region of Bihar, contributing to the overall goal of dismantling the terror infrastructure established by the CPI (Maoist) for violent and terror-related activities in the country.

The accused named in the supplementary chargesheet, filed before the NIA Special Court in Ranchi, Jharkhand, are Vijay Kumar Arya alias Vijay Arya alias Dilip and Anand Paswan alias Anandi Paswan, both residents of Bihar. Both individuals face charges under Section 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Additionally, Vijay Kumar Arya faces additional charges under Section 120B, read with sections 13, 18, 20, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UA(P) Act), while Anand Paswan faces charges under Section 39 of UA(P) Act and Section 25(1B)(a) of the Arms Act.

The case (RC-05/2021/NIA-RNC) revolves around the terror finance network operated by CPI (Maoist) cadres and Over Ground Workers (OGWs) in the Magadh Region of Bihar. The NIA initiated the case suo moto on December 30, 2021, leading to the arrest of five accused persons: Tarun Kumar, Pradyuman Sharma, Abinav alias Gaurav, Anandi Paswan, and Vijay Kumar Arya. The first three accused were previously chargesheeted on January 20 and June 28 this year.

As part of their criminal conspiracy, the accused were involved in collecting funds for procuring arms and ammunition, as well as recruiting new cadres in collaboration with incarcerated Naxals and OGWs in various jails.

Investigations uncovered that Vijay Kumar Arya held the position of Central Committee Member within the CPI (Maoist) and played a role in motivating ex-cadres. He also acted as a conduit between the outfit’s operatives and other stakeholders in the CPI (Maoist) Magadh Zone in Jharkhand and Bihar. Anand Paswan, identified as a key supporter and ex-cadre of the banned organization, was found in possession of arms and ammunition.