Jagdalpur: After almost 13 years, the court has announced the punishment in the Jheeram Valley attack case of Chhattisgarh. The special NIA court in Jagdalpur has sentenced all the 10 accused convicted in the 2013 Naxalite attack to death. On September 5, the court had declared them guilty and fixed September 16 for the sentencing.
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Congress convoy returning from Parivartan Yatra was attacked
On 25 May 2013, the convoy of Congress leaders returning from the Parivartan Yatra was targeted by Maoists in Jheeram Valley of Bastar. Many leaders including state Congress President Nand Kumar Patel, his son Dinesh Patel, Mahendra Karma, former Union Minister Vidyacharan Shukla and former MLA Uday Mudaliar were killed in the attack. A total of 29 people lost their lives, including security personnel.
Two women also included among 10 culprits
One of the 11 accused facing trial in this case died during the trial. The remaining 10 were found guilty by the court. Two women are also included in these. Statements of 101 witnesses were recorded by the prosecution during the trial. Many other people were also made accused in the NIA charge sheet who are said to be absconding till now.
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The issue of 'incomplete justice' heated up again after the verdict
After the conviction on September 5, Congress had raised questions about the verdict. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel had claimed that the investigation did not reach those who were considered to be the real responsible behind the Jheeram attack and that he had evidence related to the case. In response to this, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma had said that if Baghel has any evidence then it should be handed over to the NIA.
The hearing of the case lasted for about 13 years. Now 10 convicts have been sentenced to death. However, further judicial process on death penalty is pending and confirmation from the High Court will be required.