TerrorismCase – Three Maoist Operatives Sentenced to 10 Years in UP
TerrorismCase – A special court in Lucknow has sentenced three individuals linked to the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for their involvement in activities aimed at destabilising the government and spreading fear across parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Court Delivers Verdict After Long Trial
The judgment was delivered on Thursday by Special Judge Jainendra Kumar Pandey of the NIA/ATS court. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 29,000 on each of the convicted individuals — Shivraj Singh Bagdawal, Rajendra Kumar, also known as Arvind, both residents of Almora, and Kripashankar, alias Manoj, from Kushinagar.
The court made it clear that failure to pay the fines would lead to additional imprisonment. Depending on the charges, the extra jail term could range from two to six months.
Charges Under UAPA and IPC Provisions
After examining the evidence presented during the trial, the court found the three men guilty under multiple provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. These included charges related to conspiracy, membership of a banned organisation, and providing support to such groups.
In addition, they were convicted under Section 121A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with conspiracy to wage war against the state. The prosecution argued that the accused had been part of a broader plan to carry out anti-government activities and recruit support.
Arrest and Seizure of Maoist Material
According to Special Public Prosecutor MK Singh, the accused were apprehended on October 8, 2010, during an operation conducted by the Special Task Force in the Kidwai Nagar area of Kanpur.
Following their arrest, officials recovered a range of materials linked to Maoist ideology. These included pamphlets, CDs, cassettes, and magazines. Investigators alleged that the group was distributing this content to influence people and expand their network of supporters.
Investigation and Evidence Presented
An FIR was registered at the Kidwai Nagar police station, after which the Anti-Terrorism Squad took over the investigation. The ATS later filed a chargesheet detailing the alleged involvement of the accused in unlawful and anti-national activities.
During court proceedings, the prosecution relied on both documentary records and physical evidence to demonstrate that the trio had actively participated in a conspiracy aimed at challenging the authority of the state.
Sentencing Details and Further Directions
The court noted that the time already spent by the convicts in custody would be adjusted against their total sentence. It also directed that all three be lodged in Lucknow district jail to serve their remaining term.
Additionally, the court issued instructions regarding the disposal of seized materials. It stated that the case property should be handled according to legal procedures after the appeal period ends or based on directions from a higher court if an appeal is filed.
The ruling brings closure to a case that has been under judicial consideration for several years, highlighting the continued enforcement of laws aimed at curbing extremist activities.