Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Ten Convicts Sentenced to Death in 2013 Jhiram Ghati Attack
In 2013, Maoist fighters attacked a convoy carrying Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh.
The attack happened in a place called Jhiram Ghati on May 25.
An explosion, gunfire and grenades were used against the convoy.
Many leaders, security personnel and civilians were killed.
Reports differ, saying either 27 or 29 people died, while 38 were injured.
A special court later found 10 people guilty.
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 within 30 days.
A special National Investigation Agency court in Jagdalpur sentenced 10 convicts to death for the 2013 Jhiram Ghati attack.
The Communist Party of India (Maoist) attacked a Congress convoy on May 25, 2013, during the Parivartan Yatra in Bastar.
Reports differ on the death toll, citing either 27 or 29 people killed; 38 people were injured.
Those killed included Congress leaders Nand Kumar Patel, Mahendra Karma, Vidya Charan Shukla, Uday Mudliyar and Dinesh Patel.
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 imposed death sentences for criminal conspiracy and murder in the 2013 Maoist ambush.
- When
- The attack occurred on May 25, 2013; the sentences were announced on Wednesday, after the court convicted the 10 earlier in the month.
- Where
- The ambush occurred in Jhiram Ghati under Darbha police station limits in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh; the verdict was issued in Jagdalpur.
- Why
- The court found the 10 convicts guilty under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and other laws, including charges related to criminal conspiracy and murder.
Calls for Further Investigation
Defense of the Verdict and Process
Whether the case revealed the full conspiracy
Calls for Further Investigation
Bhupesh Baghel said an independent investigation by the state Special Investigation Team might have identified people behind an alleged larger conspiracy.
Defense of the Verdict and Process
The special NIA court convicted 10 people after recording statements from 101 witnesses and examining extensive documentary evidence.
Political interpretation of the issue
Calls for Further Investigation
Baghel's comments suggested that questions remained about whether additional people were involved in planning the attack.
Defense of the Verdict and Process
Raman Singh accused Baghel of playing politics over the case and said he did not care about the issue.
- Attack date
- May 25, 2013
- Location
- Jhiram Ghati, Bastar district, Chhattisgarh
- Reported death toll
- Reports cite either 27 or 29 people killed
- Injuries
- 38 people were injured
- Convictions
- 10 people, including two women, were convicted
- Sentence
- Death sentences were imposed under seven of 24 charges; each convict was also fined Rs 800
- Appeal
- Execution requires High Court confirmation, and appeals may be filed within 30 days
