All 10 Convicts Sentenced to Death in 2013 Jhiram Valley Maoist Massacre That Killed 29

A special National Investigation Agency court in Jagdalpur, Bastar district, has awarded the death penalty to all 10 convicts involved in the 2013 Jhiram Valley Maoist ambush, which claimed 29 lives and virtually wiped out the top Congress leadership in Chhattisgarh.

Special NIA court judge Abhay Singh Rajput pronounced the capital punishment over 13 years after the deadly strike. Those convicted include Pramila Modiyam, Chaitu Lekam alias Munna, Sumita alias Punem Modiyam, Mukka Mandvi, Kosa Kavasi alias Kosaram, Aayata Markam, Madkami Deva, Joga Madkami, Banjami Sanna alias Chamru, and Mahadev Nag. Defense lawyer Arvind Choudhary confirmed the trial court's decision, adding that the defense team intends to appeal the judgment before the High Court.

The 2013 Ambush that Shook Chhattisgarh

The devastating assault occurred on 25 May 2013, when heavily armed CPI (Maoist) cadres targeted a convoy carrying Congress leaders returning from a Parivartan Rally in the Darbha police station area of Bastar.

The insurgents ambushed the rally on a highway section cutting through Jhiram Ghati, opening fire and executing key political figures. The victims included:

• Nand Kumar Patel: Then-state Congress chief, killed alongside his son Dinesh Patel.
• Mahendra Karma: Former Leader of Opposition in the Assembly and founder of the Salwa Judum counter-insurgency movement.
• Vidya Charan Shukla: Former Union Minister, who sustained critical bullet injuries during the attack and later succumbed to them.
• Uday Mudliyar: Senior Congress leader and former MLA.

In total, 29 people lost their lives—including politicians, civilians, and security personnel—while more than 30 others suffered severe injuries.

Investigating the Political Massacre

Following the attack, central authorities handed the probe to the National Investigation Agency. Investigations established that armed cadres belonging to the banned CPI (Maoist) organization collaborated with local committees to carry out a planned criminal conspiracy aimed at eliminating senior state leaders.

The agency filed charges against the ten accused under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including murder, rioting, dacoity, and criminal conspiracy, alongside strict sections of the Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Defence representatives maintain that several of those convicted were falsely implicated, alleging that actual perpetrators surrendered while innocent locals faced trial. Defence counsel has reiterated plans to challenge the capital sentence in a higher court.