The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday filed a charge sheet against 11 members of the CPI (Maoist) in connection with the looting of nearly 4,000 kg of explosives in Odisha’s Rourkela district.

According to the NIA, the accused have been charged under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act. 

Investigators found all 11 individuals involved in the conspiracy, planning and execution of the theft, which involved around 200 packets of explosives — each weighing 20 kg.

The incident took place on May 27, when a vehicle transporting explosives from the Itma Explosive Station to the Banko stone quarry was intercepted near Maoist-dominated areas. Police had initially detained the vehicle for inspection when 10–15 armed Maoists arrived, forcibly took custody of the truck and its driver, and moved the consignment into a nearby forest stronghold.

A joint combing operation by the Special Operation Group of Odisha Police, CRPF, Jharkhand Jaguars and the District Voluntary Force later recovered the explosives along with Maoist uniforms and other materials from the Gandhamardhan Hill range along the Balangir–Bargarh border.

After taking over the case from local police in June, the NIA concluded that the massive consignment was meant for use in attacks targeting government infrastructure and security forces. The agency said the loot formed part of a wider strategy by the CPI (Maoist) to undermine national security through planned acts of violence.

The 11 charge-sheeted accused are: Jarja Munda alias Kulu Munda; Anmol alias Sushant alias Lalchand Hembram; Ramesh alias Pritam Manjhi alias Anal Da; Pintu Lohra alias Tigar; Laljit alias Lalu; Shiva Bodra alias Shibu; Amit Munda alias Sukhlal Munda; Ravi alias Biren Singh; Rajesh alias Mansid; Sohan alias Ranga Punem; and Aptan alias Chandra Mohan Hansd.

The NIA said that further investigation into the larger conspiracy remains ongoing.