New Delhi, Feb 28: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Raghu Midiyami, a prominent leader of the Moolwasi Bachao Manch (MBM), a frontal organization associated with the banned CPI (Maoist). His arrest, which took place on Thursday, is linked to an ongoing investigation into the Chhattisgarh terror funding case, the agency confirmed in a statement on Friday.
The MBM itself is a proscribed organization under Chhattisgarh government regulations. According to the NIA, the group has been actively involved in the collection, storage, and distribution of funds for the CPI (Maoist), aiding in activities that allegedly promote an anti-India agenda.
Investigations have identified Midiyami as a key coordinator responsible for fund distribution at the local level, particularly to sustain and organize Maoist-led protests. The agency emphasized that his role was pivotal in ensuring financial support for the outlawed group’s activities.
The case first gained momentum in November 2023, when the Chhattisgarh Police arrested two individuals linked to MBM. Law enforcement officers recovered ₹6 lakh in cash from them, which was allegedly meant for Maoist operations. The NIA took over the probe in February 2023, and subsequent investigations pointed to Midiyami’s involvement.
The agency continues to scrutinize the network and its funding mechanisms, aiming to dismantle financial channels aiding extremist groups. Further arrests and legal actions are expected as the investigation progresses.