The Maharashtra police on Friday defended the arrest of the five activists.
Addressing a press conference in Pune, Param Bir Singh, ADG, Maharashtra police said, "When we were confident that clear links have been established then only we moved to take action against these people, in different cities. Evidence clearly establishes their roles with Maoists."
The Bhima Koregaon violence broke out on January 1 and a case was registered on January 8. "Sections were imposed for spreading hatred. Investigation was conducted. Almost all the accused were associated with Kabir Kala Manch," Singh added in the press conference.
The top cop added that during investigations, it was revealed that 'a big controversy' was being plotted by Maoist organisations. "The five accused were helping them take their goals forward. A terrorist organisation was also involved. On May 17, they were booked under various sections of the unlawful activities (prevention) act," Singh said.
Earlier, Pune-based individual whose complaint resulted in the arrest of the five activists.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Damgude has said that actionshould be taken against anyone who go against the principles of the Constitution.
Damgude has maintained that Bhima Koregaon accused Shambaji Bhide should be arrested if proven guilty, but pictures of him standing with the Hindutva leader has raised eyebrows. "People may talk about my background, but the court only asks for evidence. For people arrested recently, you can check the list of orgnaisations listed by Manmohan Singh govternment. P Chidambaram too once said urban Naxalism exists," Demgude said while speaking to news agency ANI.
Earlier, the Supreme Court directed the Pune Police to send three activists, arrested for suspected links to Maoists, back to their homes, after the Supreme Court ordered that they be kept under house arrest till September 6.
The Supreme Court has ordered that the five activists, arrested in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence case, be kept under house arrest, observing that dissent was the "safety valve" of democracy.
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