On Monday, the Bombay High Court lashed out at Maharashtra Police for holding a press conference with regards to the recent arrest of five activists despite the matter being under investigation.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Satish Gaikwad, who sought transfer of the Bhima-Koregaon case from Pune police to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The division bench of Justice S S Shinde and Justice Mridula Bhatkar expressed their dismay that the state police held not one but two press conferences on the same issue.
Also Read: Activists’ Arrest: Hand Over UAPA Cases To NIA; Writ Petition Filed
"How can the police do this? The matter is sub judice. When the Supreme Court is seized of the matter, then revealing information is wrong," said the HC judges as they heard a petition by Sudhir Gaikwad, who sought that the probe is taken over by the National Investigation Agency.
On August 30, Pune Police commissioner, K Venkatesham held a press conference in Pune and the very next day, the ADGP Parambir Singh held one in Mumbai.
On August 28, the Pune Police carried out raids across seven cities and arrested five activists. However, two accused filed petitions in higher courts and were ordered to be put under house arrest. In both, the press conferences, roles of each accused arrested in the case was elaborated upon along with the evidence.
Also Read: Activist Arrest: 37 Civil Rights Organisations Condemned This "State Terrorism"
The plea mentioned that the arrests of intellectuals and lawyers were being carried out purely on the whims and fancies of the Pune police. The petition asked for the transfer of the investigation from Vishrambaug police station to the NIA. It also asked for a stay on the FIR, which led to the arrests of Surendra Gadling, Shoma Sen, Rona Wilson and Sudhir Dhawale. The petition further stated that the police had no right to probe the case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
On January 8, Tushar Damgude, a businessman from Pune, had lodged an FIR with the Pune police alleging that the organisers of the Elgar Parishad made provocative speeches that led to the riots at Bhima-Koregaon on January 1, 2018. The matter is posted to be heard on September 7, 2018.
Meanwhile, activist Sanjay Bhalerao has filed a petition regarding the press conference held by Pune police.
Share
Tweet
