NIA Court Classifies Jhiram Ghati Attack as 'Rarest of the Rare', Sentences 10 Maoists to Death

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has classified the Jhiram Ghati attack as "rarest of the rare" following a court ruling. The deadly incident resulted in the deaths of 27 people and nearly wiped out Chhattisgarh Congress's entire state leadership on May 25, 2013.

Ten convicted Maoists have been sentenced to death.

According to the NIA court order, the attack was planned between February 16 and 25, 2013. Investigators used explosives weighing approximately 8-9 kg of PETN and TNT. Which were strategically placed in the middle of the road to block the Congress's Parivartan Yatra convoy vehicles.

The attackers had carefully planned and rehearsed the area, indicating a premeditated and deliberate intent.

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The sequence of events led to the murder of Mahendra Karma. The man behind the banned Salwa Judum and believed to be the prime target of the attack. Investigations revealed that Karma suffered 69 injuries on his body before being dragged to a hillside and shot at close range.

The Maoists had also searched for Salwa Ludum leaders and their relatives at the scene of the incident.

The court's findings suggest that the incident was pre-planned and carried out deliberately by an armed group of around 100 Maoists. Along with Jan Militia members from the Kanger Valley area. The cadres were armed with various firearms, including AK-series rifles and country-made weapons.

Barse Sukka alias Deva, a now-surrendered Maoist leader, was entrusted with executing the attack.

The NIA court order noted that the attackers had made it clear that the incident was premeditated and deliberate. With a thorough reconnaissance of the area and a rehearsal of the plan. The use of explosives and firearms in the attack resulted in 206 bullets being fired into the vehicles.

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Causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

The Jhiram Ghati attack is a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between the government and Maoist rebels in Chhattisgarh. The incident has sent shockwaves through the state's politics, with nearly the entire Congress leadership being wiped out.

As the NIA continues to investigate the incident, it remains to be seen how this will impact the already fragile peace process in the region.