Ramdas Athawale calls it 'Right of Govt' after center brings in NIA on Bhima Koregaon

Concerning criticism of central government for transferring probe of Bima-Koregaon violence to NIA, Rajya Sabha MP Ramdas Athawale has said  government of India has all right to give it to NIA or any ncy it wishes if it wants to investigate a certain case and added that decision is t at all unconstitutional as said by opposition.

READ | Centre Took Right Step On Bhima Koregaon, It Will Expose Urban Naxals: Devendra Fadnavis

Bhima-Koregaon violence consisted of attacks on Dalits. It caused riots. Prior to that,  an event called Elgar Parishad was also conducted which hosted several Naxalites. When police found proof, it arrested Naxalites. Maharashtra government has also given orders to conduct an investigation which is also good. And if case is so serious,  government of India has right to conduct an inquiry on matter. It is t at all unconstitutional, it is responsibility of centre to conduct an inquiry on it", said Athawale.

READ | Bhima Koregaon: Fadnavis Hails Case Transfer To NIA, Claims 'Maha Govt Demoralised Police'

Draft Charges against accused

On December 18, last year, police had framed draft charges against nineteen accused including nine activists - Sudhir Dhawale, Rona Wilson, Surendra Gadling, Mahesh Raut, Shoma Sen, Arun Ferriera, Vern Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Varavara Rao. charges included 'conspiracy to assassinate PM Narendra Modi', 'overthrow government', and 'waging war against Government of India' under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). charges also stated that some arrested persons are active members of banned CPI party. 

READ | Bhima Koregaon: Chavan Urges For SIT Probe, Accuses Previous Govt Of 'power Misuse'

About Bhima-Koregaon violence

violence had erupted at Koregaon-Bhima vill in Pune district on January 1, 2018, where supporters had gared to commemorate 200th anniversary of Battle of Bhima-Koregaon. This resulted in death of one person and leaving several injured. While Pune police booked several activists for inciting violence, y are also being probed for having alleged Naxal links. Currently, all accused are in jail after ir bail pleas were rejected. 

READ | Sitaram Yechury Slams Centre Over Bhima-Koregaon Decision, Calls It 'anti-democratic'