Source Hindustan Times
A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court has convicted all 10 accused in connection with the 2013 Jhiram Valley Maoist attack, delivering a major verdict nearly 13 years after one of the deadliest incidents in Chhattisgarh’s insurgency history.
The court found the accused guilty of planning and executing the ambush that killed several senior political leaders, security personnel, and civilians in Jhiram Valley in Bastar district. The attack, carried out by Maoist insurgents, had shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about internal security in the region.
According to court proceedings, the prosecution presented extensive evidence linking the accused to the conspiracy, including witness testimonies, intelligence inputs, and material recovered during the investigation. The court observed that the attack was a well-coordinated operation aimed at targeting a political convoy.
Security agencies maintained that the verdict marks an important milestone in the long-running investigation led by the NIA, which took over the case to ensure a detailed probe into the high-profile massacre.
Families of the victims have welcomed the judgment, calling it a long-awaited step toward justice. However, they also expressed grief over the prolonged legal process and the years of uncertainty following the attack.
Authorities have tightened security in sensitive areas of Bastar following the verdict, anticipating possible reactions from Maoist groups.
Further details regarding sentencing and punishment of the convicts are expected to be announced in subsequent court hearings.
