NIA cites letter that ‘shows Koregaon incident motive’

MUMBAI: In a a detailed reply seeking dismissal of activist Sudhir Dhawale’s discharge plea in the 2018 Elgar Parishad case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) cited a letter and said it showed the intentions behind the Bhima-Koregaon incident as it is mentioned that Dalit sentiments were clearly against the Brahmin-centered agenda of BJP and RSS.The NIA also opposed the discharge plea of arrested academician Anand Teltumbde.
“That it is evident from one letter from Prakash to Teltumbde, wherein it is clearly mentioned that, the central committee of CPI (Maoist) is pleased with the progress that accused have made on the Dalit campaign. It has also mention about allocation of additional funds—Rs 10 lakh yearly—to organise international seminars and lectures on Dalit issues,” the NIA reply said.
The reply said the probe found deep-rooted connecti-on of CPI (Maoist) cadre to the Bhima-Koregaon program-me as part of their well-thoug-ht conspiracy. “Accused Com Manglu and Com Deepu were coordinating the Koregaon programme with Dhawale for two months. It is also mentioned that in July and August 2017, the higher committee had provided two rounds of funds to Dhawale for the programme,” the NIA said.
Seeking dismissal of Teltumbde’s plea for discharge, the NIA alleged that he is a senior member of CPI (Maoist) who worked in urban areas and was in contact with the other accused. “…the accused's role in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon programme was appreciated by the central committee of CPI (Maoist) and there is evidence on record that a direction was given to him to keep the fire ablaze. There is evidence on record about the allocation of Rs 10 lakh from CPI (Maoist) to Teltumbde for his international campaign and visits for the furtherance of the CPI (Maoist) agenda,” the agency said.