NIA Raids Across Four States Uncover Naxal Recruitment Network

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi in a Naxal recruitment case. The raids targeted Naxal cadres and sympathizers working to revive the banned outfit CPI (Maoist). Arrests and seizures revealed the organization's efforts to wage war against the government.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday launched raids across four states in connection with a Naxal recruitment case, the agency announced. The extensive operation spanned Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

The ongoing raids, part of case RC-01/2023/NIA-LKW, targeted the premises of Naxal cadres and Over Ground Workers (OGW). Investigations indicated that several frontal organizations and student wings were responsible for recruiting and motivating cadres, as well as spreading Naxal ideology aimed at waging war against the Government of India.

NIA officials revealed that the accused had conspired to commit acts of terror and violence to advance their agenda. Last September, in an effort to dismantle revival attempts by Naxal leaders, the NIA conducted raids across Uttar Pradesh, seizing digital devices and incriminating documents. The involvement of various frontal organizations was again confirmed.

Further investigations highlighted Pramod Mishra's leadership in reviving the CPI (Maoist). Notably, Bihar Police had arrested Mishra following the interrogation of Rohit Vidyarthi, which led to significant seizures of arms and ammunition. An FIR issued by NIA named key figures involved in the case, underscoring the coordinated efforts to rekindle the banned outfit.

(With inputs from agencies.)