Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Jhiram Ghati Maoist Ambush Leaders’ Death Sentences After 13-Year Trial
In 2013, Maoist fighters attacked a convoy carrying Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh.
They first used a landmine to block the road.
Then they fired guns and grenades for about an hour.
Twenty-nine people died, including several important Congress leaders.
Thirty-five others were injured.
Investigators said the attackers practiced and carefully planned the ambush.
The case went through a trial that lasted nearly 13 years.
A court convicted 10 people and gave them death sentences, but they can appeal before any sentence is carried out.
A Maoist ambush on a Congress convoy in Jhiram Ghati killed 29 people and injured 35 others.
Those killed included Mahendra Karma, Nand Kumar Patel, his son Dinesh, Vidya Charan Shukla and former MLA Uday Mudliyar.
Investigators said more than 200 Maoists planned the attack using a landmine, felled trees and knowledge of the terrain.
The National Investigation Agency arrested 11 Maoists; one died while being held as an undertrial.
A Special NIA Court convicted 10 accused and sentenced them to death after a trial lasting nearly 13 years.
- Who
- More than 200 Maoists attacked a convoy of Indian National Congress leaders, security personnel and civilians; 10 accused were later convicted.
- What
- A planned ambush killed 29 people, injured 35, and led to death sentences for 10 convicted defendants.
- When
- The attack occurred at about 4:15 p.m.; the trial lasted nearly 13 years, and the sentences were issued on a Wednesday earlier this month.
- Where
- Jhiram Ghati in the Bastar-Sukma region of Chhattisgarh, on a highway through a Maoist-infested area.
- Why
- Investigators said the attack aimed to frighten local residents and deter them from participating in elections.
Prosecution and Court
Defense
Verdict
Prosecution and Court
The Special NIA Court convicted all 10 accused after the prosecution examined 101 witnesses and submitted extensive documents.
Defense
Defense lawyer Arvind Choudhary said the defendants would appeal against the verdict.
Death sentences
Prosecution and Court
The court sentenced all 10 convicted defendants to death for their roles in the massacre.
Defense
The sentences cannot be carried out until the high court issues an order, and the defendants can appeal within 30 days.
- Deaths
- 29 people, including senior Chhattisgarh Congress leaders
- Injuries
- 35 people
- Attack force
- More than 200 heavily armed Maoists
- Investigation
- The National Investigation Agency arrested 11 people; one died as an undertrial
- Trial duration
- Nearly 13 years
- Convictions
- A Special NIA Court convicted 10 accused
- Sentence
- All 10 convicted defendants received death sentences, subject to high-court review