Mumbai: Family members and advocates of five left-wing activists who are under house arrest in connection with the 2017 Bhima-Koregaon violence have expressed displeasure over the Supreme Court’s verdict. Susan Abraham, wife of accused Vernon Gonsalves, her son Sagar and senior counsel Mihir Desai told The Asian Age that they are disappointed with the verdict.
Nitin Satpute, lawyer who had filed petition in the high court for transfer of investigation said, “Even if SC has denied the permission to transfer the case to Special Investigation Team (SIT) the case will eventually go to the National Investigation Authority (NIA) because police have invoked sections of Unlawful Activity Prevention Act (UAPA).” He further said, “As per UAPA act, only NIA can conduct investigation into the case and Central government’s permission is required to prosecute the accused. Therefore investigation will automatically get transferred from Pune police”
Sagar Gonsalves said, “It is really unfortunate, the way proceedings were going on and the court expressed its opinion against state government, we were not expecting such verdict. It’s completely opposite with the earlier hearings.” He further added, “The court has extended house arrest for four weeks, it is a sigh of relief to us. House arrest is anytime better than the police custody”
On the other side, Sagar also welcomed Justice Chandrachud’s verdict. “Whatever Justice Chandrachud said in his verdict is exactly what we were trying to say. His legal team will see how an accused should get bail.”
Susan Abraham, wife of Vernon Gonslaves said, “The Supreme Court didn’t support government claims. That is why house arrest of all five accused continued for four weeks. The SC rejected police claims of the accused in connection with Bhima-Koregaon violence.”
Subsequently, Mr Desai, member of legal team of accused said, “I am disappointed with the judgment. However, I am satisfied with the view of Justice Chandrachud on dissent.”
December 31, 2017: ‘Elgar Parishad’ was held by left-wing activist. According to police, the said parishad was responsible for the violence.
January 1: Lakhs of people belonging to the Dalit community gathered to celebrate “Vijay Divas” at Bhima-Koregaon which turned violent. One person died.
January 3: Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh and other Dalit organisation organised Maharashtra bandh.
August 28: The five activists, Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha were arrested.
August 29: The Supreme Court sent them under house arrest and asked state and Union government to file an affidavit on the same.
September 29: SC refused to transfer case from the Pune police to SIT.
