Maoist attack on ex-Jharkhand MLA planned with intention to rob AK-47 rifles from his bodyguards, finds NIA probe

The incident was reported on January 4, when the former MLA had gone to attend a sports function in West Singhbhum district. Two of Nayak’s bodyguards were killed while Nayak and another bodyguard escaped during the attack.

The Jharkhand Police arrested nine Maoists in connection with the assault in February. Investigations revealed that the organiser of the event was tasked to ensure that the former MLA stayed till late evening on January 4 for Maoists to carry out the attack and snatch weapons and ammunition.

“The attack was planned using sharp weapons and a case under section of murder, conspiracy, robbery, arms Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 has been registered,” read the NIA’s first information report.

Nayak had survived a similar attack by Maoists in 2012.

“The attack on Nayak and his bodyguards was pre-planned ,and the attackers slit the throats of his two policemen bodyguards. They also took away a similar rifle from another security personnel,” said an official, who did not wish to be identified. The agency will seek remand of the arrested suspects, said the official.

“And whereas, the government is of the opinion that a scheduled offence under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, has been committed and having regard to the gravity of the offence and its ramifications on national security, it is required to be investigated by the NIA Agency in accordance with the NIA Act, 2008,” said a home ministry order last month.

CPI (Maoist) is a banned organisation under the UAPA.

In 2011, Jharkhand MP Inder Singh Namdhari came under attack when Maoists blew up the escort vehicle accompanying him in Latehar district, killing nine policemen. The attack on Namdhari was believed to be a revenge for the killing of the top Maoist leader Kishenji in West Bengal.

Meanwhile, the CRPF, along with Jharkhand and Bihar police, recently seized a huge quantity of arms and ammunition. In Aurangabad, police last week seized 87 improvised explosive devices along with battery, wire cutter, electric detonator and codex wire. The CRPF is also in the process of setting up a forward base camp to breach Maoists’ stronghold. The force said on Wednesday that it had recovered AK-47 rifles, ammunition, detonator and pressure cooker IED during operations in the jungles adjacent to Gaya.