Kanker (Chhattisgarh): An Additional District and Sessions Court in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker has sentenced five Maoists, including the dreaded North Bastar leader Prabhakar and his wife Raje Kange, in a case related to an attack on security forces in 2015.
This marks the first instance of a top Maoist cadre being sentenced by a court since the region was largely freed from Maoist influence.
Prabhakar, a cadre of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), and his wife Raje Kange, associated with the Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) rank, were each sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment.
The three other Maoists involved in the case were awarded five years’ imprisonment each.
The case originates from 2015, when a group of Maoists attacked a team of security forces that was conducting a search operation in the Korar region.
Following the incident, police registered a case against Prabhakar, Raje Kange and their aides.
After remaining absconding for several years, Prabhakar was arrested by police in 2024. His wife Raje Kange was taken into custody shortly afterwards.
Extensive interrogation followed, after which investigators filed a detailed chargesheet in court supported by substantial evidence.
Police officials told that Prabhakar and Raje Kange together face nearly 60 criminal cases.
The Chhattisgarh government had announced a reward of Rs 25 lakh for Prabhakar and Rs 8 lakh for his wife.
Strong evidence establishing the presence and active involvement of the two leaders in the Korar encounter was placed before the court.
On the basis of this evidence, the court held all the accused guilty and pronounced the sentences.
Officials described the court judgment as significant, noting that it is the first time a high-ranking Maoist cadre from the region has been convicted and sentenced after the substantial decline of Maoist activities in the area.
The judgment is expected to further strengthen the legal process against remaining Maoist elements and reinforce the message that those involved in attacks on security forces will be brought to justice through the courts.
(IANS)
