Death penalty for all 10 convicts in 2013 Jhiram Valley Maoist attack case
A special NIA court in Jagdalpur sentenced all ten accused Maoists to death for the 2013 Jhiram Valley attack that killed 27 people, including senior Congress leaders. The verdict has drawn praise from the state government and criticism from opposition leaders demanding further investigation into senior insurgent involvement.
- ✓A special NIA court in Jagdalpur sentenced all ten accused Maoists to death for the 2013 Jhiram Valley attack that killed 27 people, including senior Congress leaders.
- ✓They also seized nine AK‑47s, seven INSAS rifles, two SLRs, four 9 mm pistols and accompanying magazines before fleeing.
- ✓The trial recorded testimony from 101 prosecution witnesses; one accused died while in judicial custody.
The National Investigation Agency’s special court in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, delivered death sentences to ten individuals convicted for the May 25, 2013 Jhiram Valley ambush that targeted a Congress convoy. The court’s decision follows a lengthy trial that concluded with the conviction of Pramila Modiyam, Chaitu Lekam alias Munna, Sumitra alias Sumitra Punem Modiyam, Mukka Mandvi, Kosa Kavasi alias Kosaram, Aayata Markam, Madkami Deva, Joga Madkami, Banjami Snna alias Chamru alias Denga and Mahadev Nag.
The attack resulted in 27 fatalities, among them senior Congress figures Vidya Charan Shukla, Nand Kumar Patel and Mahendra Karma, as well as ten police personnel. The insurgents first detonated a land‑mine that halted a convoy of about 20 vehicles, then opened fire and lobbed grenades, killing 24 on the spot and wounding more than 35. They also seized nine AK‑47s, seven INSAS rifles, two SLRs, four 9 mm pistols and accompanying magazines before fleeing. The trial recorded testimony from 101 prosecution witnesses; one accused died while in judicial custody. The NIA had originally filed charges against 39 suspects, including top Maoist leaders Thippiri Tirupathi alias Devuji and Barse Deva, who later surrendered but were not charged in this case.
The verdict arrives amid ongoing political tension. Opposition Congress leaders, dissatisfied with the outcome, have called for a probe into the alleged involvement of senior Maoist commanders and have accused the BJP of obstructing the investigation. Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel reiterated that justice remains incomplete without addressing the broader conspiracy, while the current Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the ruling as a triumph for justice and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for advancing the fight against Naxalism.
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| Issuing Authority | The Hindu National |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | INDIA |
| Jurisdiction | All India / National |
| Publication Date | 16 September 2026 |