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Ten Maoists Sentenced to Death for 2013 Chhattisgarh Attack
In 2013, Maoists attacked a convoy carrying Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh.
The attack happened in a place called Jhiram Ghati.
Many leaders, security personnel and civilians were killed.
Reports give different numbers for the deaths, saying at least 27 or 29 people died.
A special court later convicted 10 people for crimes including conspiracy and murder.
On Wednesday, the court sentenced all 10 to death.
The sentences cannot be carried out unless the High Court approves them.
The convicted people can appeal the decision within 30 days.
A special National Investigation Agency court in Jagdalpur sentenced 10 convicted Maoists to death.
The case concerns the May 25, 2013 ambush on a Congress convoy in Jhiram Ghati, Bastar.
Reports differ on the death toll, citing either at least 27 or 29 people killed.
Those killed included Congress leaders Mahendra Karma, Nand Kumar Patel, Dinesh Patel, Vidya Charan Shukla and Uday Mudliyar.
The sentences require High Court confirmation, and the convicts can appeal within 30 days.
- Who
- A special National Investigation Agency court sentenced 10 people convicted of involvement in the attack; the victims included Congress leaders, security personnel and civilians.
- What
- The court awarded the death penalty for criminal conspiracy and murder in the 2013 Maoist ambush.
- Where
- The ambush occurred in Jhiram Ghati under Darbha police station limits in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh; the verdict was issued in Jagdalpur.
- When
- The attack occurred on May 25, 2013; the sentences were issued on Wednesday, more than 13 years later according to one report.
- Why
- The court found the 10 convicts guilty of criminal conspiracy and murder under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
Calls for Deeper Investigation
Defense of the Court Process
Alleged larger conspiracy
Calls for Deeper Investigation
Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel said an independent investigation by the state Special Investigation Team might have identified people behind an alleged larger conspiracy.
Defense of the Court Process
Former chief minister Raman Singh accused Baghel of playing politics over the issue and said Baghel did not care about the case.
Meaning of the verdict
Calls for Deeper Investigation
Baghel’s comments suggest that the convictions may not resolve questions about whether additional people were involved in planning the attack.
Defense of the Court Process
The NIA court convicted 10 people after recording 101 witness statements and examining documents, then imposed sentences that remain subject to High Court review.
Key facts
- Attack date
- May 25, 2013
- Location
- Jhiram Ghati, Bastar district, Chhattisgarh
- Reported death toll
- Reports cite at least 27 or 29 people killed
- Convictions
- 10 people, including two women, were convicted
- Sentence
- Death penalty on seven of the 24 charges
- Evidence
- Statements from 101 witnesses and extensive documents were examined
- Appeal
- The convicts can appeal in the High Court within 30 days; execution requires High Court confirmation
Quotes
Raman Singh
Former BJP national vice-president and former Chhattisgarh chief minister
“He just wants to play politics over the issue.”
NDTV
Sources
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