Chhattisgarh: NIA raids 12 locations in Bastar in 2023 Aranpur IED blast case

The raids were conducted at the premises of suspects linked to an attack carried out by the Darbha Division Committee of the banned CPI (Maoist) near village Pedka

Published on: Nov 8, 2025, 11:48:25 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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Raipur: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday carried out searches at 12 locations across Dantewada and Sukma districts of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region in connection with the 2023 Aranpur improvised explosive device (IED) blast and ambush attack case, police said on Saturday.

The attack was carried out near village Pedka under the Aranpur police station limits in Dantewada district on April 26, 2023.

The raids were conducted at the premises of suspects linked to an attack carried out by the Darbha Division Committee of the banned CPI (Maoist) near village Pedka under the Aranpur police station limits in Dantewada district on April 26, 2023.

A statement issued by the agency said that the searches led to the recovery of several incriminating materials, including cash, handwritten letters, printed receipt books related to levy collection by the Maoists, and digital devices belonging to the suspects.

Also Read:Lapses in security under lens after strike by insurgents

“These suspects and accused persons were found linked with the CPI (Maoist) cadres involved in carrying out the deadly massacre,” the statement said.

The Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district that claimed the lives of 10 policemen and the driver of their vehicle on Wednesday fuelled speculation about possible violations of the standard operating procedure that could have led to gaps in security.

The men -- part of a four-vehicle convoy that was returning from an anti-Maoist operation 75km away -- were travelling in an unprotected and rented minivan when the IED tore through their vehicle, barely 700m from the Aranpur police station.

The central agency has so far filed two charge sheets in the case against 27 arrested individuals. The NIA said further investigation in the case is continuing.

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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