NIA charges 4 people with alleged promotion of Maoist activities in Chhattisgarh

The case was registered in May 2023 following the seizure of ₹6 lakh from Moolwasi Bachao Manch workers Gajendra Madvi and Laxman Kunjam

Published on: Oct 1, 2025, 11:03:35 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against four more accused in a case linked to the alleged promotion of Maoist activities in Chhattisgarh. It said Sunita Potam, Shankar Muchaki, and Dashrath alias Dasru Modiyam, office bearers of the Moolwasi Bachao Manch (MBM), and Mallesh Kunjam, a Maoist who is absconding, collected and disbursed funds for Maoists.

The NIA took over the probe in the case in February 2024. (HT PHOTO)

The funds were allegedly channelled through MBM to organise protests against the government and obstruct development projects in Left Wing Extremism-hit areas.

Three people were earlier charged in the case registered in May 2023, following the seizure of ₹6 lakh from MBM workers Gajendra Madvi and Laxman Kunjam. The two, who were allegedly carrying the money to deposit it in a bank on the instructions of Maoist leaders, were charged in November 2023.

The NIA took over the probe in the case in February 2024. It filed its first supplementary charge sheet in August 2025, naming Madvi, Laxman Kunjam, and another accused, Raghu Midiyami. Six of the seven accused in the case have been arrested.

The MBM was formed in 2021 after four villagers were killed in police firing during protests against a security camp at Silger in Sukma. It expanded its presence, projecting itself as a platform to mobilise demonstrations on issues of tribal rights and alleged fake encounters.

The state government declared MBM an unlawful organisation in October 2024, under the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act, 2005, alleging that it functioned as a Maoist front to spread propaganda and raise funds for the banned outfit.

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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