Business

NIA charges father-son Maoist duo in BJP leader Ratan Dubey murder

By News Karnataka Editorial Team

Copyright newskarnataka

NIA charges father-son Maoist duo in BJP leader Ratan Dubey murder

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a second supplementary chargesheet against two father-son operatives of the CPI (Maoist) in connection with the 2023 murder of local BJP leader Ratan Dubey in Chhattisgarh. Shivanand Nag and his father Narayan Prasad Nag have been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), after investigations revealed their active involvement in the brutal killing aimed at disrupting local elections.

Details of the chargesheet

The NIA submitted the chargesheet before the NIA Special Court at Jagdalpur, outlining the conspiracy, planning, and execution of Dubey’s murder. The agency stated that both Shivanand and Narayan Nag had a history of political, business, and personal rivalry with the BJP leader. The investigation revealed that they acted as active operatives of the Bayanar Area Committee and Barsoor Area Committee of the East Bastar Division under CPI (Maoist), along with their overground workers (OGWs).

Ratan Dubey was attacked with hand axes during a crowded weekly market in Koushalnar village, Jharaghati area of Narayanpur district in November 2023. The attack, which targeted Dubey during his election campaign, aimed to instil fear among voters and local communities.

Previous investigations and arrests

The NIA took over the probe in February 2024. Earlier, one accused, Dhan Singh Korram, had been chargesheeted in June 2024. Subsequently, two more individuals, Sainuram Korram and Laluram Korram, were arrested and included in a chargesheet filed in December 2024. The recent filing against the father-son duo adds to the growing list of Maoist operatives held accountable for election-time violence in Bastar.

Security and law enforcement perspective

According to the NIA, the attack on Dubey exemplifies the Maoist strategy of targeted killings to disrupt democratic processes and terrorise local populations. By establishing the role of these operatives, the agency aims to demonstrate a strong stance against extremist elements attempting to undermine governance and the electoral process.

Law enforcement authorities emphasised that such chargesheets not only seek justice for the victim but also aim to restore public confidence in the system. Targeted action against high-profile operatives of banned organisations sends a message that violence against political figures and civilians will not be tolerated.

The filing of the chargesheet against Shivanand and Narayan Nag marks a significant development in the NIA’s investigation into Maoist-led attacks in Chhattisgarh. As the legal process moves forward, authorities hope it will deter future acts of political violence and reinforce the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect democratic institutions and public safety.