During a raid in North 24 Parganas on Tuesday. (PTI Photo)The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday conducted extensive and simultaneous searches at 11 locations in West Bengal as part of its ongoing investigation into a conspiracy to revive the banned CPI(Maoist) presence in the east.
The searches were carried across South 24 Parganas, Asansol, Howrah, Nadia, and Kolkata districts.
The premises included residences of suspected overground workers who allegedly assisted the Maoist leadership in carrying out Naxal activities, said an official.
“During the searches, we seized a trove of incriminating evidence, including documents, electronic devices, pamphlets, magazines, and handwritten letters. These materials are believed to provide crucial insights into the Maoist conspiracy and its network in the region,” an NIA official said.
The searches were part of the investigation into an alleged plot hatched by the Polit Bureau, Central Committee members, cadres, and sympathizers of the CPI(Maoist).
“The organisation aims to revive, expand, and propagate its ideology in states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and others in the northern and eastern parts of India.
“So far, six persons have been arrested in connection with the case, including top Maoist leaders Prashant Bose, Pramod Mishra, and Sabyasachi Goswami. The NIA has named a total of 13 top Maoist leaders and others in the FIR. The case was lodged at NIA Police Station Ranchi in April 2022, under various sections of the IPC and UAPA Act. Further investigations are continuing in the case,” a statement issued by NIA said.
As the investigation progresses, there are chances of further arrests and revelations in this case, the officer said.