Chhattisgarh: NIA arrests two accused involved in MLA Bhima Mandavi murder case

On April 9, 2019, MLA Mandavi and four police personnel, travelling in a vehicle, were killed in a powerful IED blast triggered by Maoists near Shyamgiri village of Dantewada, Chhattisgarh.

Updated on: Apr 9, 2020, 12:39:29 IST

Hindustan Times, Raipur | By Ritesh Mishra

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The National Investigating Agency (NIA) arrested two accused involved in MLA Bhima Mandavi murder case on Wednesday and produced them before NIA Special Court in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh.

Security forces in South Sukma in Chhattisgarh. (HT Photo/Representative)

The court has granted their custody to the NIA for six days for interrogation.

On April 9, 2019, MLA Mandavi and four police personnel, travelling in a vehicle, were killed in a powerful IED blast triggered by Maoists near Shyamgiri village of Dantewada.

As per the press release issued by the NIA on Wednesday, two accused - Bhima Tati and Madka (a resident of Patel Para of Tikanpal Village in Dantewada district) - were allegedly involved in MLA’s murder case.

“Initial investigation has revealed that aforesaid two accused are CPI (Maoist) workers and they were instrumental in providing logistic support and shelter to the Maoists and were part of the larger conspiracy to plant and execute the IED blast which led to the killing of MLA Mandavi and four policemen,” said the press release.

The NIA, in May 2019, registered a case under the Indian Penal Code’s Arms Act, the Explosives Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the attack. The NIA, which reached Dantewada for the investigation, was denied documents pertaining to the case by the local police.

It had first approached its designated local court over the matter and later approached the High Court Bilaspur in June.

After the High Court’s intervention, the documents/properties related to the case were handed over to the NIA by Chhattisgarh Police on March 17, 2020.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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