Death Penalty for 10 Convicts in Jhiram Valley Maoist Attack
A special court in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, has sentenced all 10 convicted attackers to death for their roles in the 2013 Jhiram Valley Maoist attack. The attack occurred on May 25, 2013, and killed 27 people, including senior Congress leaders like Vidya Charan Shukla, Nand Kumar Patel, and Mahendra Karma.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced the verdict on September 16, 2026. The convicts were found guilty under various serious charges, including murder, conspiracy, and handling arms. These include Pramila Modiyam, Chaitu Lekam alias Munna, Sumitra Punem Modiyam, Mukka Mandvi, Kosa Kavasi alias Kosaram, Aayata Markam, Madkami Deva, Joga Madkami, Banjami Snna alias Chamru alias Denga, and Mahadev Nag.
During the attack, Maoist rebels ambushed a convoy of vehicles carrying Congress leaders participating in the Parivartan Yatra. They triggered landmines, blocked the route, and opened indiscriminate fire with grenades, killing 24 people instantly and injuring over 35 others. Among those killed were senior Congress leaders, police personnel, and former Union Minister V.C. Shukla, who later died from his injuries.
The attackers also stole several weapons before fleeing. The NIA had filed charges against 39 individuals, including two top Maoist leaders who are still wanted. The trial involved evidence from 101 prosecution witnesses, and one accused died in custody during the process.
Opposition Congress leaders criticized the verdict, stating that key Maoist leaders involved in planning the attack were not charged. They demanded a probe into any political conspiracy behind the attack.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the verdict as a victory for justice and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for reducing Maoist influence in the region. However, human rights group People’s Union for Civil Liberties expressed concerns over the death sentences, highlighting issues of unequal access to justice and disproportionate punishment for marginalized communities.