The NIA special court in Visakhapatnam sentenced three individuals linked to the banned CPI (Maoist) organization to five years of rigorous imprisonment and fines. The verdict marks the culmination of a two‑year legal process that began with their arrest in June 2022.

Key Takeaways

  • Dongari Devendra, Dubashi Swapna and Chukka Shilpa receive five years of rigorous imprisonment.
  • Each is fined ₹2,000 under five sections of the UAPA.
  • Sentences run concurrently; default on fine adds six months of simple imprisonment.

Introduction

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) special court in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, convicted three accused for a terror conspiracy involving radicalisation, recruitment, and support for the banned CPI (Maoist) group.

Case Background

The trio—Dongari Devendra, Dubashi Swapna and Chukka Shilpa—were members of Chaitanya Mahila Sangam (CMS), a front organization for CPI (Maoist). They were arrested in June 2022 and charged in December 2022 under sections 18, 18B, 20, 38 and 39 of the UAPA.

Judgment Details

The court sentenced each accused to five years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹2,000 per section. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional six months of simple imprisonment.

Historical Background

The CPI (Maoist) insurgency has plagued India for decades, prompting multiple security operations. The case was transferred to the NIA in June 2022, and two senior underground cadres—Gajarla Ravi (alias Uday) and Venkata Ravi Chaitanya (alias Aruna)—were killed in police encounters in 2025.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the verdict sends a clear deterrent signal to extremist networks and underscores the judiciary’s resolve to curb Maoist‑linked terror activities.

"This conviction reinforces the rule of law against insurgent groups and demonstrates that covert recruitment will not go unpunished," said legal analyst Anjali Sharma.
Did You Know?: The two senior Maoist leaders initially charged alongside the trio were eliminated in a police encounter in 2025, highlighting the ongoing crackdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can the convicted individuals appeal the verdict?

Answer: Yes, they retain the right to challenge the decision in a higher court.

Question 2: What impact will this sentence have on other Maoist cases?

Answer: It sets a precedent for stricter scrutiny and harsher penalties in future terrorism‑related prosecutions.