Death Penalty Awarded to Ten Maoist Convicts for 2013 Jhiram Ghati Attack

A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jagdalpur sentenced ten accused Maoist cadres to death for the ambush of a Congress convoy on May 25 2013 in Jhiram Ghati, Bastar, Chhattisgarh. The verdict was pronounced on September 16 2026; the convicts may appeal to the high court within 30 days, and execution can proceed only after a high-court order.

Jhiram Ghati attack: NIA court awards death penalty to 10 Maoist convicts 13 years after 29 killed in Congress convoy ambush

The attack targeted a “Parivartan Yatra” convoy on National Highway 221. Armed cadres of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) detonated an IED and opened fire, killing senior Congress leaders and security personnel. The NIA described it as part of the Maoists’ “Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign.” The state government transferred the investigation to the NIA within two days and set up a judicial commission headed by Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra.

CNN-News18Jhiram Ghati attack: NIA court awards death penalty to 10 Maoist convicts 13 years after 29 killed in Congress convoy ambush 29 Died In 2013 Maoist Ambush On Congress Convoy. Now, 10 Get Death Penalty ThePrintThe Indian ExpressChhattisgarh Maoist attack: 10 convicts sentenced to death 13 years after massacre

• May 25 2013 – Maoist ambush in Jhiram Ghati.

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• Sept 25 2014 – NIA files first chargesheet against nine accused.

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• Sept 28 2015 – Supplementary chargesheet adds 30 more accused (total 39).

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• Sept 5 2026 – Special NIA court convicts ten accused, including two women.

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• Sept 16 2026 – Court pronounces death penalty for all ten convicts.

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• Deaths: Reported as 27 or 29.

The Indian Express

• Injuries: Reported as “more than 30” or 38.

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• Convicts sentenced: 10, including two women.

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• Charges: Convicted under seven statutes, including IPC 120 B (criminal conspiracy), IPC 302 (murder), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act.

The Indian Express

• Fine: Rs 800 per convict.

29 Died In 2013 Maoist Ambush On Congress Convoy. Now, 10 Get Death Penalty

• The NIA concluded the attack was a coordinated conspiracy by CPI (Maoist) cadres.

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• Bhupesh Baghel, former chief minister and current Congress leader, questioned the probe and suggested an independent state SIT could have identified the masterminds.

Jhiram Ghati attack: NIA court awards death penalty to 10 Maoist convicts 13 years after 29 killed in Congress convoy ambush

• Raman Singh, former BJP national vice-president and ex-chief minister, criticised Baghel’s stance as politically motivated.

Jhiram Ghati attack: NIA court awards death penalty to 10 Maoist convicts 13 years after 29 killed in Congress convoy ambush

• Special judge Abhay Singh Rajput noted the death penalty was awarded under multiple statutes, emphasizing the gravity of the conspiracy.

29 Died In 2013 Maoist Ambush On Congress Convoy. Now, 10 Get Death Penalty

• Fatality count: 27 vs. 29 deaths.

Jhiram Ghati attack: NIA court awards death penalty to 10 Maoist convicts 13 years after 29 killed in Congress convoy ambush

• Injury count: “More than 30” vs. 38 injured.

Chhattisgarh Maoist attack: 10 convicts sentenced to death 13 years after massacre

• Sources do not clarify the exact numbers, leaving a gap in the official casualty record.

Jhiram Ghati attack: NIA court awards death penalty to 10 Maoist convicts 13 years after 29 killed in Congress convoy ambush

• “He just wants to play politics over the issue,” — Abhay Singh, special judge

29 Died In 2013 Maoist Ambush On Congress Convoy. Now, 10 Get Death Penalty

The convicted individuals have 30 days to file an appeal with the high court. Execution will occur only after a high-court order; no further procedural dates have been disclosed.

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