Bhima-Koregaon case: Bombay HC refuses bail to Bhima Koregaon accused

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday refused bail to Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves and Sudha Bharadwaj about the Bhima Koregaon violence case.

The single-judge bench of Justice Sarang Kotwal was hearing the plea filed by the activists regularly since August 27. Justice Sarang Kotwal has been hearing the plea filed by the accused since August 27. 

On January 1 in 2018, violence had started at the Bhima-Koregaon battle, leaving one dead and several injured. Arun, Vernon, and Sudha were booked under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including waging a war and sedition.

The trio is accused of having links with banned Naxal groups. Apart from the three activists, poet Varavara Rao and Gautam Navlakha were also arrested for their alleged involvement in the violence. A total of 58 cases against 162 people were filed by the police, during a state-wide shutdown in January following clashes in Bhima-Koregaon. 

READ | NOW Bhim Army chief says he was misconstrued over 'Bhima Koregaon violence' threat, says he was talking about a 201-year old battle

Maharashtra Government files a caveat

In September this year, the Maharashtra government had filed a caveat in the matter seeking to be heard before any orders are passed. On September 13, the high court had refused to quash the FIR lodged against Navlakha in the case, noting that there was prima facie substance in the case. The high court had emphasised on a thorough investigation in the case, highlighting the "magnitude of the case".

Bhima Koregaon Case

Sudha Bharadwaj, Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira were arrested for delivering provocative speeches at the Elgar Parishad in Pune's Shaniwarwada on 31 December 2017. According to Pune police, the speeches were responsible for triggering the violence around Bhima-Koregaon village on 1 January 2018. The violence had killed 1 and had left several people including 10 policemen injured. The event was organised to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon.

READ | Bhima Koregaon: 5th judge recuses from hearing Gautam Navlakha's plea

READ | Bhima-Koregaon case: Bombay HC refuses to quash Gautam Navlakha's case

READ | Dr. Subramanian Swamy speaks on Bhim Army chief's 'Bhima Koregaon-like violence' threat, says 'Congress knows it'll be a death blow if they lose 

(With inputs from ANI)