NIA court sentences absconding accused in CPI (Maoist) arms and ammunition seizure case

New Delhi, March 12

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Ranchi, Jharkhand, has sentenced an absconding accused to rigorous imprisonment (RI) in connection with a major CPI (Maoist) arms and ammunition seizure case.

Mantu Sharma of district Aurangabad (Bihar) was found guilty on various charges by the special court in the case. 

The case was originally registered by Jharkhand police after they raided the Silodar forest area, based on input, in August 2012. The police arrested one Prafulla Kumar Malakar, member of the Arms & Ammunition Supply Unit of the banned terror outfit, CPI (Maoist). A USA made M-16 Rifle, 14 live rounds, 02 mobile phones, and 01 bullet proof jacket were seized from him. 

Malakar’s interrogation led to the arrest of  another accused, Anil Kumar Yadav, who was found in possession of one 9mm Pistol and 02 live rounds, along with Rs.9 lakh cash and 02  mobile phones. Yadav, a Zonal Commander of CPI (Maoist),  was on his way to purchase the weapon from Malakar when he was nabbed.

NIA, which took over the case in December 2012, had filed chargesheets against all three accused between 2014 and 2017, following which Malakar and Yadav were convicted and sentenced to 15 years of RI by the NIA Special Court in December 2024.

The special court, on Monday, pronounced multiple sentences of RI and fine against Mantu, who continues to abscond. The sentences range from three to 15 years under sections 121A, 120B, 414 of IPC, sections 25(1-AA)/35 and 26(2) of Arms Act, sections 18 & 20 of UA(P) Act, and section 17 C.L.A Act. All sentences will run concurrently.

As per NIA investigations, Mantu Sharma was involved in selling illegal arms and ammunitions to members of CPI (Maoist). He, Malakar and Yadav were in close contact with one another.

NIA is continuing with its efforts to nab Mantu.