A special NIA court in Jagdalpur has sentenced all 10 convicts to death in the 2013 Jhiram Valley Maoist attack case. The verdict was delivered on September 16, 2026, more than 13 years after the deadly ambush in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. The attack targeted a Congress Parivartan Yatra convoy and killed 27 people, according to NIA records. Several senior Congress leaders, security personnel and others were among those killed. The 10 convicts were found guilty earlier this month after a prolonged trial.The 2013 Jhiram Valley AttackOn May 25, 2013, a Congress Parivartan Yatra convoy came under a Maoist attack in Jhiram Valley in Bastar’s Darbha area of Chhattisgarh. The attackers used explosives and opened fire on the convoy. According to National Investigation Agency records, 27 people were killed and 38 others were injured in the attack.Several prominent Congress leaders were among those killed, including state Congress president Nand Kumar Patel, former minister Mahendra Karma and senior leader Vidya Charan Shukla. The attack became one of the major Maoist-related incidents in Chhattisgarh and led to a detailed investigation by the National Investigation Agency.NIA Took Over The InvestigationThe NIA registered the case on May 27, 2013, and investigated the attack under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The agency subsequently filed charge sheets against accused persons in the case.The trial continued for years, with proceedings involving the evidence and alleged roles of the accused. In September 2026, the special NIA court in Jagdalpur convicted 10 accused and later sentenced all of them to death. The verdict can still be challenged through the higher judicial process.What Did The Court Decide?The special NIA court in Jagdalpur sentenced all 10 convicted accused to death after finding them guilty in the Jhiram Valley attack case. The accused include two women, and the court had convicted them on September 5 before reserving the punishment order. The case involved charges under the IPC, Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The convicts have 30 days to appeal against the verdict in the High Court.Ten accused were convicted in the case.All 10 have now received the death penalty.The verdict was delivered by the special NIA court in Jagdalpur.The attack took place on May 25, 2013.The convicts can challenge the decision before the High Court.How The Attack HappenedOn May 25, 2013, Maoists attacked a Congress convoy travelling through Jhiram Valley in Bastar’s Darbha area. The convoy was returning after a Parivartan Yatra when it came under attack involving an explosion and firing. NIA records say 27 people were killed and 38 were injured. The victims included senior Congress leaders such as Nand Kumar Patel, Mahendra Karma and Vidya Charan Shukla.The investigation was taken over by the National Investigation Agency within days of the attack. NIA records show that the agency registered the case on May 27, 2013, and later filed charge sheets against arrested and other accused persons. During the proceedings, one of the arrested accused died, while investigations against absconding accused continued.Verdict Follows Thirteen-Year TrialThe NIA special court convicted the 10 accused on September 5, 2026, and reserved the punishment decision for September 16. On Wednesday, the court imposed the death penalty on all 10. The latest ruling marks the sentencing stage of the trial, but it does not mean the sentences can be executed immediately.Key HighlightsSpecial NIA court sentenced 10 convicts to death.The attack occurred in Jhiram Valley on May 25, 2013.NIA records state that 27 people were killed.Senior Congress leaders were among the victims.Ten accused were convicted on September 5, 2026.The convicts have 30 days to appeal in the High Court.Legal Process Will ContinueThe death sentences remain subject to further judicial proceedings. The convicts have the right to appeal before the High Court, while a death sentence passed by a trial court also requires High Court consideration and confirmation under the applicable legal process. The next stage will therefore involve scrutiny of the convictions and sentences by the higher judiciary.The Jhiram Valley Maoist attack case has now reached a major sentencing stage after more than 13 years. The special NIA court has awarded death sentences to all 10 convicted accused, while the legal process remains open to appeal and High Court review. Further proceedings will determine the status of the sentences.Disclaimer: This article is provided only for knowledge and news-information purposes and is based on publicly available official records and reported court developments.
