Bhubaneswar, Dec 11: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday filed a chargesheet against 11 individuals accused of involvement in the looting of nearly 4,000 kg of explosives by armed cadres of the CPI (Maoist) in Rourkela. The incident took place during the transportation of explosive materials meant for a stone quarry.

According to an official statement from the NIA, the accused have been booked under several stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. Investigators revealed that the group played active roles in the criminal conspiracy, planning, and execution of the theft involving around 200 packets of explosives, each weighing 20 kg.

The consignment was en route to Maoist-affected regions in the Saranda Forest of Jharkhand when police intercepted the vehicle on May 27. However, a group of 10–15 armed Maoists overpowered the vehicle’s driver and forcibly diverted the truck into the forest.

In subsequent combing operations on the Gandhamardhan Hill range along the Balangir-Bargarh border, security forces seized Maoist uniforms, explosives, and other materials. The joint operation involved the Special Operation Group, CRPF, Jharkhand Jaguars, and the District Voluntary Force, marking a significant breakthrough in the crackdown on Left-wing extremist activities.

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