Malkangiri: A team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from Hyderabad conducted raids at Anantapalli village in Malkangiri district and two places in Sukma town of neighbouring Chhattisgarh, targeting individuals suspected of links to Maoist activities.
In Malkangiri, the NIA team raided the house of David Raju, a fish seller from Anantapalli village under Motu police station limits. Raju was arrested in January by Chintur police in Andhra Pradesh after explosive materials resembling detonators were discovered on his bike while he was selling fish in the Chintur area. He was accused of supplying explosive materials to Maoists and served six months in jail before being released.
The NIA team interrogated Raju about the source of expensive items found in his house and his alleged connections with Maoists.
“Policemen came to my house at 4.00 AM. They ransacked through our belongings in the house. Rummaged through cupboards and found nothing. They have taken mine and my wife’s mobile phones. took pictures of our Aadhar Cards asked used to sign on papers and left. They asked if we had any connection with the Naxals. We told them that we earn our livelihood through farming and fishing,” said David Raju.
Simultaneously, raids were conducted at two locations in Sukma, Chhattisgarh. The agency targeted the premises of two businessmen—one involved in weekly market trade and the other in the transport sector. Both individuals were arrested on September 26 for alleged involvement in Maoist activities. The NIA is currently gathering additional evidence from their residences.
These operations are part of the NIA’s ongoing efforts to dismantle networks supporting Maoist insurgency in the region.
