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Slams Door on Bail for Maoist Leader in Deadly 2010 Silda Camp Massacre
In a stern ruling that underscores zero tolerance for terrorism, the has denied to Arnab Dam, a convicted Maoist leader serving life imprisonment for his role in the brutal 2010 attack on the Silda Camp of the . The division bench of Justices Arijit Banerjee and Apurba Sinha Ray dismissed the plea on , citing evidence from eyewitnesses and the heinous nature of the crimes that claimed 24 security personnel lives. As reported by local outlets, this decision denies relief to a man convicted in one of West Bengal's most shocking Maoist assaults.
The Silda Camp Bloodbath: A Timeline of Terror
The nightmare unfolded on , around 5:10-5:15 p.m., when over 70-80 armed militants from the banned —a Maoist extremist group—stormed the Silda Camp in Jhargram, West Bengal. Travelling in Bolero cars, pick-up vans, and motorcycles, the attackers unleashed sophisticated weapons, hand grenades, and bombs. They killed 24 EFR jawans, injured three others, looted arms and ammunition, and fled shouting anti-India slogans.
Arnab Dam, described as a "renowned leader" and "think tank" for the group, along with 22 others, was convicted by the trial court on , under grave provisions including (waging war, conspiracy, and murder), , and arms/explosives laws. Sentenced to life, Dam has spent about nine years in custody—seven pre-trial and two post-conviction. He secured bail during trial from , but was re-arrested after conviction. Facing 15 other cases, he appealed for sentence suspension pending his CRA(DB) 123 of 2024.
Dam's Desperate Defense: From PhD Scholar to Bail Pleader
Appearing in person, Dam argued his case rested on shaky ground: no , 12-year delay in court identification, conviction based on "conjectures and suspicion," and unproven allegations. He highlighted his clean bail record—five years on bail without misuse, twice-relaxed conditions—and academic credentials as a PhD scholar at Burdwan University researching forest conservation. Noting the trial judge's remark on "weak evidence" against him and no convictions in pending cases, Dam claimed an arguable defense meriting bail.
Prosecution's Unyielding Stand: Kingpin of Chaos
The State, represented by and advocates and , painted Dam as the "kingpin" of the banned Maoist outfit and Secretary of . They stressed four witnesses identifying him, his arrest with AK-47 rifles and ammo, and his pivotal role in the "preplanned" war against the state. With 15 pending cases involving murder, sedition, and arms violations, the prosecution urged rejection to uphold justice and security forces' morale amid "overwhelming evidence" proving charges beyond doubt.
Courtroom Calculus: Eyewitnesses Trump Delay Claims
The bench meticulously sifted the evidence, finding
links despite no TIP. Key were identifications by injured eyewitnesses PW 34 (Bishnu Sing Chettri, shot in leg) and PW 39 (Lalbahadur Pradhan, hit by AK-47 bullets), plus independent witness PW 30 (Gobinda Shil) and IO PW 65 (S.K. Sekh Taj Muhammad). Dismissing delay concerns, Justice Banerjee noted,
"It is not unusual or improbable that the injured eye witnesses would remember the faces of some of the miscreants involved in such a major terrorist attack... an injured witness is more likely to remember the details."
No precedents were cited, but the court emphasized the offences' gravity—potentially carrying death penalties under , , , and —against 24 deaths and loot.
Key Observations
"The petitioner has been identified by at least three prosecution witnesses as being a part of the group which attacked the SILDA camp."
"In view of the incriminating evidence against the petitioner and the exceptional gravity of the offences which the petitioner has been found to have committed causing death of 24 police personnel and injuring three persons, we are not inclined to allow this application for ."
"The fact that TIP was not held is not necessarily fatal to the prosecution case. At least two injured eye witnesses and one independent witness identified the petitioner on dock."
Verdict Echoes Through Security Ranks: No Relief, But Study Nod
CRAN 1 of 2024 stands dismissed with no costs. The court clarified its views won't bind the main appeal, expected soon, rejecting delay claims. In a humane touch, it directed the correctional home superintendent to facilitate Dam's PhD research.
This ruling reinforces stringent bail norms in UAPA/terrorism cases, signaling courts' reluctance to release convicts amid strong eyewitness testimony, even for scholars. It bolsters security forces' resolve while leaving Dam's full appeal for future battle.
