Mumbai: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday moved a special court seeking cancellation of the bail granted to two co-accused in the 2018 Elgar Parishad case—activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira. The agency alleged that they willfully violated the bail conditions by participating in a gathering at a south Mumbai venue on January 19, alongside other co-accused whose bail cancellation was already sought last month.
Allegations of Bail Violations
The NIA claimed that the meeting was organized to propagate the ideology of the banned CPI (Maoist) and to deliberate on the future course of the “Urban Naxal” movement, which the prosecution argues poses a direct threat to national security. The agency stated that the accused violated court-imposed restrictions prohibiting them from contacting each other.
Digital Evidence and Reports
To establish the presence of Ferreira, Gonsalves, and other accused—including Sudha Bharadwaj, Varavara Rao, Anand Teltumbde, Rona Wilson, Sudhir Dhawale, Hany Babu, and Gautam Navlakha—the NIA submitted digital evidence, internal reports from the venue, an inquiry committee report, CCTV footage, and call data records (CDR). The CDR allegedly showed that their phones were present at the same venue during the time of the gathering.
Court Proceedings
The matter is scheduled for hearing on June 19. The accused must submit their replies to the NIA’s plea. After hearing arguments from both the special public prosecutor Prakash Shetty and the defence, the court will pronounce its order.
Proclamation Against Absconding Accused
Following a plea by the prosecution on grounds of “interest of justice,” the court issued a proclamation against two absconding accused—Prakash alias Naveen alias Ritupan Goswami and Ganapathy alias Mupalla Laxman Rao.
Background of the Elgar Parishad Case
Invoking the stringent anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the NIA has alleged that the Elgar Parishad event on December 31, 2017, at Shaniwarwada in Pune was funded by activists of Kabir Kala Manch. The agency claimed that provocative speeches were made at the event, promoting enmity between groups, which eventually led to violence the following day at Koregaon Bhima.
Status of the Accused
Of the 16 individuals arrested in connection with the case, 14 have been released from jail. Father Stan Swamy died in custody in 2021. On May 4, the Bombay High Court granted bail to advocate Surendra Gadling, but his release has been delayed as his bail plea in another case remains pending.
