Bhima Koregaon Case: Arrested Activists Have Links to Maoist Conspiracy to Topple Government, Says Pune Police

A day after five civil rights activists were arrested in a nationwide swoop, the Pune police claimed on Wednesday that it has unearthed a "Maoist conspiracy hatched to overthrow the elected government" besides targeting top officials and political leaders.The alleged plot came to light after the police analysed the electronic devices, documents and other "highly incriminating evidences" seized from the five arrested persons, showing their links with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), said Pune Deputy Commissioner of Police Shirish Sardeshpande.

Pune Police, in a press conference, said the members of CPI (Maoist) had planned terror activities in the country. They have connections with banned organisations in Jammu and Kashmir, the Pune Police said.

Supreme Court directs to keep the five accused under house arrest till September 5.

Supreme Court observes, 'dissent is the safety valve of democracy. If dissent is not allowed then the pressure cooker may burst'.

Hearing in Gautam Navlakha case: Supreme Court issues notice to the Maharashtra Government and other parties and seeks their replies by September 5.

The hearing in the Bhima Koregaon arrests has begun in Supreme Court.

Lalu Prasad Yadav condemns arrests. "This country is moving towards dictatorship. The arrests of the five intellectuals show that the country is moving towards emergency and I condemn it," says the former Bihar CM. 

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) calls arrests in Bhima Koregaon case "utmost exploitation of power by BJP". Here is the BSP statement - Arrests of activists who fight in court against oppression of Dalits, Tribals & backward communities in the nation, to spread terror and fear of the govt, is autocracy & utmost exploitation of power by BJP.

Delhi High Court questions the prosecution as to why arrest memo was not given to Gautam Navlakha or his counsel. HC observed, "every minute that a person is spending in custody is matter of concern".

Gautam Navlakha's hearing begins in Delhi High Court.

There will be a protest at Jantar Mantar(Delhi) tomorrow by the Left and all progressive groups against the unethical crackdown: Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) 

One of the five arrested, Varavra Rao, says, "We have been falsely implicated."

According to some reports, the Delhi High Court is waiting for Supreme Court hearing in the case. The apex court will hear the case at 3:45 pm today.

Three activists which were arrested yesterday have been taken to Pune court.

Mayawati has also slammed the BJP For the arrests. BSP chief said that the government is trying to create a sense of fear in the minds of people. She also blamed the central government for targetting those who are fighting for Dalits. the BSP chief even termed the arrests as a tactic to divert attention from the failures of the government

Hearing on Gautam Navlakha's transit remand has begun in the Delhi High Court.

Hearing over Bhima Koregaon Violence case has begun in the Delhi High Court.

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Deepak Kesarkar speaking to CNN News18 has said that the raids are a diversionary tactic. He further said that intellectuals could not support Naxals. Kesarkar claimed that raids were based on proof.

Activist Gautam Navlakha has issued a statement today over his arrest. He blamed the central government for  shieling real culprits of the Bhima Koregaon violence. He also said that the arrests were a political ploy.

National Human Rights Commission sends notice to Maharashtra DGP and Chief Secretary over the arrest of five activists. The commission claimed that proper procedure is not followed while conducting raids.