Senior Maoist leader Prashant Bose passes away in jail

Metro India News | Hyderabad  

CPI (Maoist) Politburo member Prashant Bose (also known as Kishan Da) passed away due to illness. He breathed his last on Friday (April 3, 2026) at the age of 75 while in jail custody in Ranchi, Jharkhand. According to jail authorities, he died while undergoing treatment at the RIMS Hospital in Ranchi for respiratory-related issues. 

Prashant Bose had played a key role in the Maoist movement for the past 45 years.

A native of West Bengal, he chose the revolutionary path under the influence of the Naxalbari movement. He was recognized within the party as a theoretician and strategist. 

On November 12, 2021, he was arrested along with his wife, Sheila Marandi, in the Seraikela-Kharsawan district of Jharkhand. Since then, he had been in prison.  He played a crucial role in the formation of the CPI (Maoist) party on September 21, 2004, by uniting revolutionary groups like People’s War and MCC. Party members stated that his contributions to strengthening the party and building the armed wing were significant. 

Political prisoners have alleged that he died due to lack of proper medical treatment in jail. His writings and strategies against state repression have served as guidance for revolutionaries. 

Despite old age and illness, party members said that his revolutionary commitment remained strong until his final moments, even while behind prison walls.