National

2018 Bhima Koregaon: ‘Navlakha Was An Active Member Of CPI(M)’, Says Special NIA Court

A special NIA court in Mumbai recently held that Bhima Koregaon accused Gautam Navlakha was a member of banned terrorist organisation Communist Party of India (Maoist), which attacked and killed many government security forces while rejecting his bail plea.

The Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) judge Rajesh Katariya opined that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the allegations against Navlakha were prima facie true.

“The supplementary charge­sheet and documents relied by the prosecution prima facie shows that applicant is active member of said banned terrorist organization and he carries out activities in furtherance of object of said organization. Various documents are seized from applicant during his house search through electronic gazettes. The documents produced with charge­sheet shows active involvement of applicant in crime and participation in conspiracy…It also shows that he underwent weapon training with other accused,” the order reads.

The sessions court also considered the chargesheet, which revealed a link between Navlakha and Kashmiri separatist Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai, as well as Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) General.

While dismissing Navlakha’s bail application, the judge remarked, “Considering totality of material, Navlakha’s role cannot be segregated from role of the co­-accused in the case and there are reasonable grounds for believing that the accusation against Navlakha are prima facie true.”

In August 2018, Navlakha, who is a human rights activist and former secretary of the People’s Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR), was arrested.

On November 10, 2022, the Apex Court granted his request to return to house arrest for a month. On December 13, it was extended.

He is currently residing in the Thane district of Navi Mumbai.

On September 5, 2022, Navlakha approached the High Court after a special NIA court denied his bail application.

The High Court ruled that the bail application requires a new hearing before the special court and remanded the case.

Nunnem Gangte

Recent Posts

Ex-Sarpanch Murder Case: SC Cancels Bail Of 3 Accused

The Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the Rajasthan High Court's decision to grant bail to…

5 hours ago

“Complete Elevated Corridor At Kaziranga National Park At The Earliest”: SC

The Supreme Court on Wednesday emphasized the urgent need to complete the proposed 34-kilometer elevated…

5 hours ago

Death Row Convict Balwant Singh Rajoana Granted 3-Hour Parole For Brother’s Bhog Ceremony

Balwant Singh Rajoana, a death row convict in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister…

5 hours ago

Money Laundering Case: Delhi HC Grants Bail To Lava MD Hari Om Rai

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Hari Om Rai, the Managing Director…

6 hours ago

Excise Policy Case: Kejriwal Challenges Trial Court’s Cognizance In ED

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Delhi High Court, challenging a trial…

7 hours ago

Himachal HC Orders Closure Of 18 Loss-Making Tourism Corporation Hotels

In a significant ruling, the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday ordered closure of 18…

7 hours ago