Probe panel may seek ‘advice’ to avoid riots

The two-member panel probing the Bhima-Koregaon riots on Monday said it would call all political parties and seek their suggestions on how to avoid such riots in the future. The commission is likely to put all political parties, whether ruling or in opposition, on notice and seek their opinion on the violent riots that broke out across Maharashtra in the first week of January this year.

The president of Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) – Prakash Ambedkar, meanwhile, raised a probable conflict of interest for Sumit Mullick, who is one of the members of the commission notified to probe the riots, in February. Mullick, who now holds the charge of the chief information commissioner of the state, was the chief secretary of the government when the riots took place. He retired in April this year.

According to Ambedkar, the then chief secretary (Mullick) must also be cross-examined by the commission as it would help the panel ascertain why the government failed to stop the riots.

According to Ambedkar, the then chief secretary (Mullick) must also be cross-examined by the commission as it would help the panel ascertain why the government failed to stop the riots

As soon as Ambedkar raised the issue before the commission headed by Chief Justice (retd.) J N Patel, which is presently on its second round of examining private witnesses, Mullick said he was ready to be examined.

Meanwhile, the commission has said it wants suggestions from all political parties on putting an end to such communal riots.

Advocate Niteen Pradhan said, “The commission intends to know from all parties of their stand on riots. It wants to know from the parties how they think riots can be stopped in Maharashtra. The commission also wants to know from political parties how the Bhima-Koregaon riots could have been avoided.”

The special public prosecutor before the commission, Shishir Hiray, said at least one person from each party would be called.

“The commission can call one person from each party and that person can also be the spokesperson, who can better explain their party’s ideology. However, there is no clarity on when the commission will call the parties,” Hiray said.