A special NIA court in Jagdalpur convicted 10 accused, including two women, in connection with the 2013 Jhiram Ghati Maoist attack, as reported by media outlets. The 2013 ambush killed 29 people, including top Congress leaders, during a rally in Bastar district. Special Judge Abhay Singh Rajput reserved the quantum of punishment until September 16, 2026, following the examination of 101 prosecution witnesses.
A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jagdalpur convicted 10 accused, including two women, in connection with the 2013 Jhiram Ghati Maoist attack case. Special Judge Ajay Singh Rajput delivered the verdict after examining the evidence and statements from 101 prosecution witnesses. The court reserved its decision on the quantum of punishment until September 16, 2026.
The trial originally involved 11 individuals, but one accused passed away during the judicial proceedings. Defense counsel Arvind Choudhary confirmed that the defense plans to challenge the conviction order before the High Court once the final sentencing details are released.
Historical Impact and Trial Proceedings of Jhiram Ghati Maoist Attack:
The attack occurred on May 25, 2013, targeting a Congress convoy returning from a ‘Parivartan Yatra’ rally in Bastar district’s Darbha region. The ambush claimed 29 lives and injured over 30 individuals, virtually wiping out the top leadership of the Chhattisgarh State Congress. Prominent victims included state Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel, his son Dinesh Patel, former Leader of Opposition Mahendra Karma, former Union Minister Vidya Charan Shukla, and former MLA Uday Mudliyar.
The 10 convicted individuals were held guilty under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, and the Arms Act. The special NIA court will pronounce the sentence specifying the quantum of punishment for all 10 convicted individuals on September 16, 2026.

