A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jagdalpur has convicted all 10 surviving accused in the 2013 Jhiram Valley Maoist attack case, bringing a major legal development in one of Chhattisgarh’s most consequential political violence cases more than 13 years after the massacre.

The court delivered its verdict on September 5 after a prolonged trial. Eleven accused had originally faced proceedings, but one died during the trial. The court has scheduled September 16 for deciding the quantum of punishment. The prosecution examined 101 witnesses during the proceedings. 

The conviction has, however, reignited a political dispute in Chhattisgarh. Congress leaders have welcomed the court proceedings but questioned whether the wider conspiracy behind the attack was investigated. The BJP, meanwhile, has defended the NIA probe and described the verdict as evidence of the investigation and judicial process.

What Happened in the Jhiram Valley Attack?

The attack took place on May 25, 2013, when a Congress convoy returning from a Parivartan Yatra in Bastar was ambushed by Maoists in Jhiram Valley in the Darbha area.

Several senior Congress leaders, including Nand Kumar Patel, Mahendra Karma and former Union minister Vidya Charan Shukla, were among those killed. Current reports put the death toll at 29, while dozens of others were injured. 

The attack devastated the top leadership of the state Congress and became a deeply sensitive issue in Chhattisgarh politics.

10 Accused Convicted After Long Trial

The NIA took over the investigation after the attack and subsequently filed chargesheets against Maoist cadres accused of involvement in the conspiracy and assault.

The trial eventually proceeded against 11 accused. One died during the proceedings, leaving 10 to face the final judgment.

According to current reports, the prosecution presented documentary and other evidence and recorded the statements of 101 witnesses. The final arguments were completed on August 10, after which the court reserved its decision.

The defence has indicated that it is not satisfied with the verdict and intends to challenge the decision before a higher court.

Bhupesh Baghel Questions NIA Probe

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said he respected the court's decision but argued that the verdict did not answer questions surrounding the alleged larger conspiracy.

Baghel has questioned why senior Maoist leaders allegedly named in connection with the case were not brought before the court and why the alleged political conspiracy and security-related questions were not fully examined.

He also referred to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted during the previous Congress government and alleged that the NIA had opposed the state probe. Congress leaders have described the outcome as “incomplete justice”.

These are political allegations and not findings established by the September 5 judgment.

BJP Defends NIA Investigation

The BJP has rejected Congress's criticism and welcomed the convictions.

Chhattisgarh BJP president Kiran Deo said the verdict reflected the strength of the NIA investigation and the impartiality of the judiciary. He also questioned Baghel over his earlier claims of possessing evidence connected with the Jhiram case, asking what evidence he had produced during his tenure in government. (Vocal TV)

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma similarly argued that the case had been investigated by the NIA and that the court's verdict supported the agency's findings. 

Congress Seeks Answers on Larger Conspiracy

Congress leaders have maintained that convicting the 10 accused does not settle their questions about who planned the attack and whether there were lapses in security arrangements.

PCC chief Deepak Baij and other Congress leaders have alleged that the people who planned the attack were not brought before the court. Families and survivors have also continued to seek clarity over the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Such claims remain contested. The September 5 conviction establishes the criminal liability of the accused who faced trial; it does not by itself establish the separate political-conspiracy allegations raised by either side.

Sentencing on September 16

The next major development in the case will be the court's decision on punishment.

With all 10 surviving trial accused now convicted, the court is scheduled to hear the matter of sentencing on September 16. The defence is also expected to pursue legal remedies against the conviction.

The verdict therefore closes one stage of the 13-year-old case while leaving the wider political debate over the attack, its planning and the security arrangements surrounding the convoy far from settled.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday conducted searches at five locations across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Bihar and Delhi as part of its probe into an alleged cyber-terrorism conspiracy involving attempted attacks on 54 Indian government websites during Operation Sindoor. 

The searches are linked to a case involving sophisticated Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks that allegedly targeted government websites, critical computer resources and Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) during the military operation last year. The case was initially registered by Gujarat Police in June 2025 before the investigation was taken up by the NIA. 

Searches Across Five States

According to the NIA, its teams searched premises in Junnar in Pune district, Maharashtra; Nadiad in Kheda district, Gujarat; Ramagundam in Karimnagar district, Telangana; Gopalganj in Bihar; and Delhi. The agency carried out the searches after obtaining the necessary legal authorisations.

Investigators reportedly seized digital devices and documents during the operation. The material recovered is expected to undergo forensic examination as the agency attempts to establish links between the suspects and those already arrested in the case. 

What Is the Cyberattack Case?

The investigation centres on alleged attempts to launch DDoS attacks against 54 government websites. Such attacks generally involve overwhelming an online service with large volumes of traffic or requests, potentially making websites inaccessible to legitimate users.

The NIA has classified the case as one involving cyber terrorism, with investigators examining whether the alleged attacks were intended to compromise government digital infrastructure, threaten national security and create public fear. 

Two accused persons have already been arrested in connection with the case, while the latest searches are aimed at identifying additional individuals who may have assisted or supported the alleged cyberattack operation. 

Case Linked to Operation Sindoor

The alleged cyberattacks took place in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, launched by Indian armed forces following the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed.

Indian forces launched strikes against terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, 2025. The military action was followed by several days of cross-border hostilities before fighting was halted on May 10.

The cyberattack investigation therefore examines activity targeting Indian government digital infrastructure during a particularly sensitive period.

Digital Evidence Under Scanner

The latest searches are significant because investigators are now examining the wider network allegedly connected with the cyberattacks. Digital devices recovered from the searched locations could help investigators establish communication links, identify attack infrastructure and determine whether other people were involved.

Officials are also expected to examine whether the suspects had any connection with the two people already arrested in the case and what role each individual may have played.

NIA Probe Continues

The NIA's investigation is continuing, with forensic examination of seized electronic devices expected to provide further leads. The agency's searches across five states indicate that the probe has expanded beyond the original location of the Gujarat case.

The investigation will also seek to establish the extent of the alleged attacks and whether the attempted disruption of government websites was part of a coordinated cyber operation.

The latest action highlights the growing focus on cyber threats to government systems and critical digital infrastructure, particularly during periods of heightened national security concerns.

A United Nations Security Council monitoring report has attributed the November 2025 blast near Delhi’s Red Fort to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), adding an international dimension to the investigation into the deadly explosion.

The latest assessment by the UN Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee monitoring team said AQIS has evolved from a fragmented organisation into a decentralised network operating through smaller cells across the region. The report also flagged the group’s continued presence in Afghanistan and its efforts to expand its activities into Bangladesh.

The development comes as Indian agencies continue to investigate the Red Fort blast, which was treated as a terror-related incident and later brought under the investigation of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Red Fort Blast Under NIA Probe

The explosion took place near the historic Red Fort in Delhi in November 2025. A vehicle was involved in the blast, which killed several people and injured more than 20 others.

The NIA took over the investigation as agencies examined possible links between the incident and a broader extremist network.

Indian investigators have previously linked the case to a network involving radicalised professionals and alleged AQIS affiliates. Umar un-Nabi, identified as the suspected driver of the vehicle, was killed in the explosion.

The investigation has also examined alleged connections between the suspects and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an organisation linked to AQIS.

AQIS Network Expanding

According to the UN assessment, AQIS has increasingly adopted a decentralised structure, with smaller cells operating across different parts of the region.

The report said AQIS leaders are based in Kabul and continue to operate using Afghan national identity documents. It also raised concerns about the group's attempts to expand its presence and activities in Bangladesh.

The findings highlight the continuing regional security challenge posed by Al-Qaeda-linked organisations, even as their operational structures become less centralised.

Chemical, Biological Threat Concerns

The UN monitoring team also warned about the continued interest of Al-Qaeda and Islamic State-linked groups in acquiring or developing capabilities involving chemical and biological materials.

The report indicates that terrorist organisations continue to explore unconventional methods that could increase the scale and impact of attacks.

The assessment also pointed to changes in the way extremist groups raise and move money.

Terror Groups Exploring Crypto

According to the UN team, Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates are increasingly exploring cryptocurrencies to finance their activities.

The monitoring body recommended considering cryptocurrency addresses associated with sanctioned terrorist organisations for inclusion in UN sanctions measures.

The concern reflects the growing challenge for authorities trying to track terrorist financing through digital financial systems, where transactions can cross borders and may be difficult to monitor using conventional financial surveillance mechanisms.

Red Fort Security Tightened

The UN report comes shortly before India's 80th Independence Day celebrations, with the Red Fort placed under heightened security ahead of the Prime Minister's address.

Around 20,000 security personnel, including Delhi Police, paramilitary forces and National Security Guard personnel, have been deployed around the venue.

Authorities are also using more than 1,000 CCTV cameras equipped with facial-recognition and number-plate detection capabilities to monitor movement around the area.

Security teams have further deployed the Abhigyan app for real-time fingerprint verification against a database containing details of more than one crore criminals.

Anti-Drone Measures in Place

Security agencies have also installed advanced anti-drone systems around the Red Fort.

Snipers and specialised response teams have been deployed as part of the multi-layered security arrangement. The measures are intended to address potential threats from both ground-based and aerial attacks during the Independence Day celebrations.

The UN assessment on AQIS and the heightened security deployment around the Red Fort underscore the continuing focus of Indian and international agencies on preventing extremist networks from exploiting regional instability and evolving financing and operational methods.

A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed in connection with the investigation into the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, marking a significant development in one of India's most closely watched terror cases.

The warrant was issued on July 8, two days after the NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet before the Special NIA Court in Jammu, naming Saeed as an accused. The agency has charged him both in his personal capacity and as the head of the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF).

Court Approves NIA Request

According to the court order, the NIA informed the court that Saeed, currently believed to be residing in Pakistan's Punjab province, has deliberately evaded arrest despite being a key accused in the case.

The agency sought an open-dated non-bailable warrant, arguing that Saeed's arrest and custodial interrogation are essential for carrying out a fair and comprehensive investigation into the terror conspiracy.

Accepting the plea, the Special Judge directed that the warrant be forwarded to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), NIA Jammu, for execution in accordance with legal procedures.

Multiple Charges Invoked

The supplementary chargesheet invokes several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.

Investigators have alleged that Saeed played a significant role in planning and supporting terrorist activities linked to the Pahalgam attack through Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front.

Attack Claimed 26 Lives

The Pahalgam terror attack, carried out on April 22 last year, claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists visiting the popular destination in south Kashmir. The incident ranks among the deadliest terror attacks in the region in recent years and triggered a massive nationwide security response.

Following the attack, the NIA took over the investigation and has since filed multiple chargesheets while expanding its probe into the alleged cross-border terror network.

Hafiz Saeed's Terror Background

Hafiz Saeed has long been designated a global terrorist by both India and the United States. He is widely regarded as the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed more than 160 people.

India has repeatedly sought stronger international action against Saeed, accusing him of directing and supporting multiple terrorist operations targeting the country.

The latest court order is expected to strengthen India's legal case as investigators continue pursuing individuals allegedly involved in planning and executing the Pahalgam attack.

Investigation Continues

Officials have indicated that the supplementary chargesheet forms part of the broader investigation into the conspiracy behind the attack. The non-bailable warrant will remain an important legal instrument as the NIA pursues further proceedings against the accused.

The agency has maintained that the investigation is ongoing and additional evidence and legal action may follow as the probe progresses.

Nearly ten months after the Pahalgam terror attack claimed 26 lives, the National Investigation Agency has uncovered fresh evidence pointing to a well-coordinated cross-border conspiracy. Forensic examination of mobile phones recovered from the attackers shows they had stored precise geographical data of the Baisaran Valley days before the assault.

Chinese phones shipped to Karachi, Lahore

According to NIA sources, two Chinese-made handsets used by the terrorists were traced through supply chain records to delivery addresses in Karachi and Lahore. The devices contained navigation app data marking Baisaran's coordinates, along with screenshots saved on April 15 and 16, 2025.

Investigators believe the attackers conducted reconnaissance roughly a week before the attack, which unfolded on April 22, 2025. The valley, located about 6 km from Pahalgam, saw 26 tourists and one local resident killed. Sixteen others were injured.

 Pakistan-based handler directed operation

The chargesheet filed by NIA on December 15, 2025, names Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Saifullah alias Saifullah Sajid Jatt alias Langda as the mastermind. A resident of Kasur near Lahore, he allegedly remained in constant touch with the three attackers during the operation.

Investigators said Langda sent them the Baisaran location and provided real-time directions throughout the attack. He reportedly crossed into Kulgam, south Kashmir, in 2005 and now uses a prosthetic leg after being shot. The nickname 'Langda' stuck.

 GoPro camera trail leads to China

The investigation has also traced an action camera recovered from the terrorists. US-based GoPro Inc informed the agency that the device had been shipped to one of its authorised distributors in China. From there, it somehow reached LeT operatives.

NIA officials say terror outfits in Jammu and Kashmir are increasingly using body cameras to record attacks for propaganda purposes. Tracing the camera's route could expose networks supplying funds and equipment.

 Tourist guides arrested for not alerting security

The chargesheet notes the attack might have been prevented. Tourist guides Parvez Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar had reportedly seen the terrorists in Baisaran but did not inform security agencies. Both have been arrested.

A day before the attack, the three terrorists allegedly sought help in the name of God and ate food at Parvez's hut. They took bread and vegetables with them. Before opening fire, they ate under a tree in Baisaran Valley, investigators said.

 Operation Sindoor: India's response

In retaliation, India carried out airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on the night of May 6-7, 2025. Named Operation Sindoor, the strikes targeted nine terrorist hideouts. Indian authorities reported over 100 terrorists killed, including family members and associates of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar.

The three Pakistani terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack were killed by security forces on July 28, 2025, during Operation Mahadev in the Dachigam forests. Langda, carrying a ₹10 lakh bounty, remains wanted in multiple attacks including the Z-Morh Tunnel firing and the Reasi bus attack.

NIA Files 7,500-Page Chargesheet in Red Fort Car Blast Case, Names 10 Accused

Probe agency says deceased mastermind Dr Umer Un Nabi led Al-Qaida-linked module that plotted to overthrow government

The National Investigation Agency has submitted a massive 7,500-page chargesheet before a special court in connection with the Red Fort car bomb explosion that claimed 11 lives in the national capital last November. Ten individuals have been named as accused, including a former medical professor who died in the blast itself.

Mastermind Never Made It to Court

Dr Umer Un Nabi, described by investigators as the key conspirator, was killed during the 10 November 2025 attack. A former assistant professor of medicine at Al-Falah University, he was among several radicalised medical professionals allegedly involved in plotting what the agency calls "Operation Heavenly Hind".

The other nine accused include Aamir Rashid Mir, Jasir Bilal Wani, Dr Muzamil Shakeel, Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather, Dr Shaheen Saeed, Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, Soyab, Dr Bilal Naseer Malla and Yasir Ahmad Dar.

Terror Outfit Link Established

According to the agency, all accused were associated with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an offshoot of Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent. The chargesheet was filed at Patiala House Courts under multiple legal provisions including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Sources familiar with the matter said investigators worked extensively to establish the group's operational network across half a dozen states.

Probe Spanned Six States

The investigation covered Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and the Delhi-NCR region. The case file contains 588 witness statements, more than 395 documents and over 200 material exhibits.

Officials said the accused had regrouped in Srinagar back in 2022 after failing to reach Afghanistan via Turkey. It was at this meeting that they allegedly revived the outfit under the name "AGuH Interim".

Conspiracy to Overthrow Government

The NIA has alleged that the conspiracy was aimed at removing India's democratically elected government and imposing Sharia rule. Investigators claim the group actively recruited members, spread extremist ideology and stockpiled weapons.

What has alarmed security agencies is the level of technical sophistication. The explosive used in the attack was triacetone triperoxide, a highly volatile substance that the accused allegedly manufactured after procuring precursor chemicals and conducting repeated experiments.

Weapons and Drone Tests

The agency further claimed the group procured prohibited weapons including an AK-47 rifle, a Krinkov rifle and country-made pistols. Perhaps more concerning, they allegedly experimented with rocket-mounted and drone-borne improvised explosive devices intended for strikes on security installations in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere.

Specialised laboratory equipment, including MMO anodes, electric circuits and switches, was purchased through both online and offline sources, investigators said.

So far, 11 people have been arrested in connection with the case. The NIA said efforts are continuing to locate additional suspects whose alleged roles emerged during the investigation.

Lawrence Bishnoi gang associate Rajpal surrenders in Madhya Pradesh

High-profile criminal confesses to businessman firing incident; claims links to the 2022 Mohali Intelligence HQ rocket attack.

 In a significant development for inter-state crime investigations, Rajpal, a known associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, surrendered to the police in his native village of Ratnyakhedi on Thursday. The surrender follows sustained pressure from multiple law enforcement agencies regarding his alleged involvement in high-stakes criminal conspiracies across northern India.

During his surrender, Rajpal reportedly admitted to orchestrating a firing incident at the residence of a local businessman. While the identity of the target remains under investigation, the accused claimed the attack was a "punitive measure." This surrender marks a breakthrough for the Madhya Pradesh police, who have been monitoring the region for spillover activities of Punjab-based gangs.

Targeted firing in Nagda

Rajpal confessed that the shooting at the businessman’s house was premeditated. He alleged that the target was involved in the exploitation of local farmers and maintained "inappropriate intentions" toward young girls. According to Rajpal, his initial attempts to execute the plan through local associates had failed, leading him to seek professional assistance from another gang member identified as "Harry Boxer."

Mohali rocket attack link

The surrender has reignited interest in the 2022 rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali. Rajpal was previously named as a key suspect in that case. Investigators believe he played a logistical role, specifically in providing a safe haven to the primary accused, Deepak Ranga, during the high-profile manhunt that followed the terror strike.

Allegations of police pressure

Before being taken into custody, Rajpal spoke briefly to the media, stating that his decision to surrender was prompted by the "harassment" of his family by various police departments. He claimed that the constant scrutiny from national agencies and state police forces had made his continued evasion impossible. He alleged that his family members were being targeted despite having no links to his criminal history.

Deep-seated gang networks

Rajpal’s criminal trajectory is closely tied to Yogesh Bhati, another individual previously interrogated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The duo is suspected of facilitating the movement of Lawrence Bishnoi’s shooters across state lines. The NIA had earlier raided several locations in Nagda and surrounding areas to dismantle the sleeper cells providing logistics to the Bishnoi-Brar syndicate.

Warning to rivals

In a defiant tone prior to his arrest, Rajpal issued a warning, suggesting that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang would continue to target those they deemed "wrongdoers." He made the unconventional claim that the gang’s actions were intended to "assist the administration" by cleansing society of corrupt elements, a narrative often pushed by gang associates to gain local sympathy.

Recent security crackdowns

Security agencies view this surrender as part of the larger India news update regarding the crackdown on organized crime. The latest news today suggests that the Nagda police had been coordinating with the Punjab and Haryana police to corner Rajpal. This public interest story highlights the expanding footprint of the Bishnoi gang into the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh.

Judicial proceedings ahead

The Nagda police moved Rajpal to an undisclosed location for initial interrogation immediately after the surrender. He is expected to be produced before a local court on Friday afternoon. Officials have indicated that they will seek maximum remand to investigate his recent communications and uncover any planned operations of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in the state.

In a case that has sent ripples through India's security establishment, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested seven foreign nationals—six from Ukraine and one from the United States—on charges of conspiring to train insurgent groups along the volatile India-Myanmar border.

The arrests, confirmed by public radio broadcaster AIR and other media reports on Tuesday, point to a sophisticated operation involving illegal border crossings, weapons training, and the smuggling of a "huge consignment of drones from Europe." The development underscores India's growing anxiety over the spillover effects of Myanmar's civil war, now entering its fifth year.

The Alleged Plot: Training Camps and European Drones

According to official sources, the accused first illegally entered India's sensitive northeastern state of Mizoram without the required permits. From there, they allegedly crossed the porous jungle border into Myanmar, where they are suspected of training "ethnic war groups... associated with insurgent groups in India."

But the plot thickens. Investigators believe the network was not just about training rebels. The seven are also accused of orchestrating the illegal transport of a significant number of drones from Europe into India, with the ultimate goal of using them in Myanmar's conflict zones. The specific type of drones and their exact European country of origin have not been officially disclosed, but the revelation raises serious questions about transnational supply chains feeding into regional insurgencies.

Legal Proceedings and National Security Charges

A closed court in New Delhi has remanded the seven accused to 11 days of NIA custody for intense interrogation. The Ukrainians were picked up from Delhi and Lucknow, while the American national was arrested in Kolkata.

The charges against them are grave. Citing official sources, The Indian Express reported that the foreigners have been charged with conspiring to commit terrorist acts against the Indian state. If convicted, the offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. This charge indicates that the NIA believes the alleged training of Myanmar rebels was not a standalone operation, but one with potential links to, or consequences for, insurgent activity on Indian soil.

Why This Matters: The Volatile India-Myanmar Border

This case cannot be viewed in isolation. It is the latest flashpoint in a region under immense strain.

• A 1,643-Kilometre Challenge: India shares a long, largely unfenced border with Myanmar, running through remote mountains and dense forests. While a fencing project is underway, the terrain makes it notoriously difficult to police.

• Fear of Spillover: New Delhi has long feared that armed groups operating in Myanmar, some of which share ethnic ties with populations in India's northeast, could drag the conflict across the border.

• A History of Warnings: Last year, Mizoram's chief minister made the explosive—and hard-to-verify—claim that "thousands" of Western mercenaries had passed through the state en route to Myanmar. This week's arrests suggest those warnings may have had some basis in reality.

The Bigger Picture: India's Delicate Balancing Act

For India, the Myanmar crisis is a diplomatic and security nightmare. On one hand, it maintains a cautious line of communication with the junta in Naypyidaw. On the other, it is sympathetic to the ethnic groups, particularly the Chin, who have fled violence into Mizoram by the thousands.

The presence of Ukrainian and American nationals allegedly training anti-junta forces adds a geopolitical layer. While Ukraine is officially preoccupied with its own war with Russia, the involvement of its citizens in a faraway conflict in Southeast Asia is puzzling. The NIA's interrogation will likely focus on who exactly these individuals were working for and how the drone smuggling network was financed.

What Happens Next?

For the next 11 days, the seven accused will face detailed questioning. The NIA will be looking to map the entire network: who recruited them, who funded the drone purchases, and most critically, which specific insurgent groups they were training.

For the residents of India's northeast, the case is a stark reminder that the civil war next door is not a distant conflict. It is knocking on India's door. And as this investigation unfolds, it may reveal just how deep the foreign involvement in Myanmar's battlefields truly runs.