Bhubaneswar: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday filed a chargesheet against 11 members and associates of the banned CPI (Maoist) terrorist organisation in connection with the armed robbery of approximately 4,000 kg of high-grade explosives in Odisha’s Rourkela region earlier this year.
All 11 accused have been charged under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act.
According to the NIA, the 11 individuals played active roles in the criminal conspiracy, detailed planning, and execution of the theft of around 200 packets, each containing 20 kg of explosives, that were originally destined for a private stone quarry.
The investigation found the accused to be actively involved in the criminal conspiracy, planning and execution of the theft of around 200 explosive packets, each containing 20 kg of explosives.
The incident took place on May 27, 2025, when 10–15 armed Maoist cadres hijacked an explosives-laden truck from near Banko stone quarry. The rebels drove the vehicle about one km inside the forest before decamping with the explosive packets, mostly blasting gelatine sticks. The site of the loot was hardly two km from the Maoist den of Saranda forest in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.
Subsequent joint combing operations by Odisha Police’s Special Operation Group (SOG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Jharkhand Jaguars, and District Voluntary Force on the Gandhamardan Hill range (Balangir-Bargarh border) led to the recovery of the bulk of the looted explosives, along with Maoist uniforms and other incriminating material.
The NIA, which took over the investigation from Odisha Police in June 2025, established that the explosives were intended to be used by CPI (Maoist) to carry out terror attacks on police and security forces as part of a broader conspiracy to disturb the nation’s security and stability.
Further investigation into the case is underway, the agency added.
