ELGAR PARISHAD MEMBERS ON POLICE RADAR

PUNE: Pune police, probing the “Maoist links” to Elgar Parishad, summoned some members of different organisations for questioning for their alleged involvement in organising the event held at Shaniwarwada on December 31, 2017.

Anjum Inamdar, whose Mulnivasi Muslim Manch was one of the organisers of Elgar Parishad, said that besides him, MN Kamble, city unit president of Bharip Bahujan sangh; Datta Pol of Bhim Army, also one of the organisers of the Parishad; Akash Sabale, Ashok kamble and Jyoti jagtap, Ramesh gaychor and Sagar Gorkhe of Kabir Kala Manch, were summoned at Swargate police station.

Pune police, on June 6, had arrested five people for their alleged links with the Maoists, which according to police, funded the Elgar Parishad. The Parishad was held a day before caste riots broke out at Bhima Koregaon, leading to the death of one.

“We have received notices from the police asking us to remain present for the inquiry,” said MN Kamble.

The five persons arrested by police, included Sudhir Dhawale, prominent Dalit activist from Mumbai; Surendra Gadling, lawyer; Mahesh Raut, activist; Shoma Sen, professor from Nagpur, and Rona Wilson from Delhi.

Shivaji Pawar, assistant commissioner of police, (Swargate division), who is probing the case, said that they have summoned members of these organisations in connection with the case registered at Vishraumbaug police station, by one Tushar Damgude, for “inquiry”.

According to the FIR, on January 8, members of Kabir Kala Manch (KKM), had allegedly made provocative speeches, sang songs and performed skits that allegedly led to violence at Bhima Koregaon on January 1, this year.

“We have questioned organisers of Elgar Parishad and their statements are being recorded,” said Pawar. While investigating the case, Pune police claimed to have unearthed the Maoist link of the Parishad.