The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against Raje Kange, a senior woman commander of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), in connection with the abduction and murder of a villager during a ‘Jan Adalat’ in Chhattisgarh in 2023. Kange, also known as Malti or Nirmala, is identified as the prime accused in the case, as per the charge sheet submitted before the NIA Special Court in Jagdalpur city of Bastar. She faces charges under the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, according to NIA officials.
The investigation by NIA revealed that Kange had a central role in the conspiracy leading to the abduction and killing of Amar Singh Uikey in November 2023. The Maoists alleged Uikey of being a police informer and executed him during a Jan Adalat near Gome village in Narayanpur district. The NIA, taking over the case from local authorities, established Kange’s involvement through witness testimonies, forensic analysis, and documentary evidence, portraying her as a key conspirator.
The charge sheet emphasizes that the crime was not just a punitive measure but also aimed at creating fear among villagers to deter them from opposing Maoist beliefs or defying the group’s directives. It sheds light on how CPI (Maoist) employs violence to exert control in remote regions and intimidate communities. The case underscores the Maoists’ reliance on Jan Adalats to enforce their mandates and eliminate perceived adversaries.
The NIA reiterated its dedication to dismantling the Maoist network nationwide, emphasizing ongoing investigations into related cases. Efforts are concentrated on disrupting the chain of command, incapacitating armed Maoist members, and safeguarding vulnerable populations in Maoist-affected areas. This charge sheet signifies another advancement in NIA’s efforts against left-wing extremism, signaling a strong stance against individuals promoting violence under the pretext of ideology.
