Maoist leader Prabhakar and wife sentenced to seven years in prison

An additional district and sessions court in Kanker, Chhattisgarh, has sentenced five Maoists to prison terms related to a 2015 attack on security forces. Among those convicted are notorious North Bastar leader Prabhakar and his wife, Raje Kange, both of whom received seven-year prison sentences.

Three other Maoists involved in the incident were sentenced to five years each. The case stems from a 2015 attack on a security force team conducting a search operation in the Korar area. Following years as fugitives, Prabhakar was arrested in 2024, followed shortly by his wife.

Authorities noted that Prabhakar and Raje Kange are linked to approximately 60 criminal cases. The Chhattisgarh government had previously placed bounties of 25 lakh rupees on Prabhakar and 8 lakh rupees on his wife. Officials stated this verdict is significant as it marks the first time a major Maoist cadre has been convicted in the region since its influence has significantly diminished.