Pune police have invoked sedition charges against five activists that were arrested for their alleged role in the Bhima-Koregaon violence, claiming that the unity of India was in danger due to their ‘anti-national’ activities.
Pune police have invoked sedition charges against five activists that were arrested for their alleged role in the Bhima-Koregaon violence, claiming that the unity of India was in danger due to their ‘anti-national’ activities.
On Saturday night, the Pune police arrested Left activist and poet Varavara Rao from his Hyderabad residence and produced him before a district and sessions’ judge on Sunday.
During the argument, district government pleader Ujjwala Pawar said, "This is not a crime like murder of economic scam, but it is a crime of larger conspiracy due to which the unity and integrity of India is in danger. This is the reason, the police have added section 124 A in this case."
Apart from 124 A, the Pune police have also added 121 and 121 A sections of Indian Penal Code against the accused.
Pawar also added that the investigation has revealed that the accused had hatched the conspiracy to wage war against the country. They were also involved in giving rebellious speeches to incite the mob.
Alleging that Rao wasthe main accused having active role in Maoists activities, Pawar said, "He was not only closely connected with the top underground Maoists but he himself is active member of banned organisation of CPI (Maoists). He had the responsibility of managing funds of Maoists, procuring arms and ammunition and chalking out strategies for Maoists."
Giving reference of the seized materials from the other accused, "Some of the seized documents from other accused mentions Rao's name and it also reveals his responsibility of procuring arms and ammunition from Nepal and Manipur route. The police have also intercepted email communication between Rao and top fugitive Maoist leader Ganapathy where Ganpathy had expressed concerned about recent arrest and he had asked Rao to find out how the arrested persons communication got leaked to police," Pawar said.
She also added that the electronic communication that Rao has made to other Maoists operatives where he has used coded language which needs to be investigated. The prosecution requested the court to grant 14 days police custody of Rao.
The defence counsel opposed Rao's police custody stated that the police did not follow due procedure while bringing him to Pune from Hyderabad. After hearing the argument of the defence and prosecution, district and sessions judge Kishor Vadane remanded Rao in police custody till November 21.
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