NIA raid on alleged Maoist's Kerala residence: 'Attempts to punish those who voice criticism'

By Harsh Thakor*

On August 13th, the Indian National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a raid on the residence of Murali Kannampilly, who is accused of being a Maoist leader known as Ajith, in Kochi, Kerala. Murali Kannampilly has a history of legal troubles; he was previously arrested in May 2015 and served four years in Pune's Yerwada jail before being released in 2019. Following his initial arrest, several other alleged Maoists, including individuals from Kerala, were implicated, with the case initially overseen by the Telangana police.

However, as of January 2024, the NIA has taken over the investigation. At approximately 6 am, NIA officials arrived at Murali's home. Without obtaining prior permission, a group of eight officials forcibly entered the premises in Thevaikkal, despite Murali's request for his lawyer to be present during the raid. Following this, the NIA team commenced their investigation.

This is not the first instance of a raid; Murali's home had been searched previously, and he had faced interrogation. Unable to build a substantial legal case against him, the authorities seem to be using intimidation tactics against the activist.

Murali, a 62-year-old heart patient who lives alone, previously spent four years in Yerwada jail and was implicated in a case dating back to 1976 in Kayanna. His targeting appears to be a deliberate action by a proto-fascist state aiming to silence dissenting voices.

Over the decades, Murali has been engaged in political activism, steadfastly opposing neo-fascism. His writings on caste and revolutionary theory have posed a significant challenge to the Brahmanical Hindutva fascist agenda, as he advocates for the rights of marginalized and oppressed communities.

This situation underscores the inherent nature of the NIA. Although it identifies itself as a national "investigation agency," its operations align closely with Brahmanical Hindutva fascism, aimed at suppressing dissenting voices by labeling democratic and pro-people activities as "Maoist."

The state exploits terms such as "Maoists" and "urban naxals" to implement harsh anti-terror laws that infringe on the fundamental rights of those accused. By associating all dissent with Maoist ideology, the state attempts to punish those who voice criticism.

The space for dissent, organization, and protest is rapidly diminishing. Since 2019, numerous journalists, writers, students, educators, lawyers, and democratic rights activists have faced false accusations from the state under various legal provisions, including the IPC, UAPA, Telangana Public Security Act, and Arms Act.

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*Freelance journalist

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