Elgaar Parishad campaign flared Bhima-Koregaon riots, say Pune police

In a voluminous 5,160-page charge sheet, Pune police have mentioned that Elgaar Parishad and the previous campaigns, including the speeches delivered on the day of Elgaar Parishad, aggravated the violence at Bhima-Koregaon on January 1. 

Cops submitted the charge sheet before district and sessions judge Kishor Vadane on Thursday evening. Police have charge sheeted 10 accused including Sudhir Dhawale, Surendra Gadling, Rona Wilson, Mahesh Raut, Shoma Sen and five underground Maoists leaders namely Dipak alias Milind Teltumbde, Kishan da alias Prashant Bose, Prakash Naveen alias Rituparna Goswami, Dipu and Manglu. 

While establishing the Maoists’ connection in organising the Elgaar Parishad at Shaniwarwada on December 31, police mentioned in the charge sheet that the Elgaar Parishad was organised with inspiration, monetary support and directions of Maoists to provoke Dalit sentiments against the present government and the system.