‘Surendra Gadling gave maps, information for Bastar and Gadchiroli attacks’

PUNE: District government pleader Ujjwala Pawar told a special UAPA court in Pune on Wednesday that forensically examined electronic data seized from the accused in the Elgar Parishad case shows that activist-lawyer Surendra Gadling provided critical maps and information about deployment of forces to enable Maoist operatives plan ambushes in Bastar and Gadchiroli districts.

She also cited different first information reports (FIRs) registered in relation to the attacks executed since 2016 at the places described on the maps.
Pawar made out a strong case for the rejection of the bail pleas of Gadling, veteran activist P Varavara Rao and five other accused by relying on a series of letters seized by the Pune police from the electronic devices of the accused.
These letters not only bring out the links of the accused with the underground Maoist operatives but also their active role and participation in various unlawful and terror activities, she said.
The public prosecutor, who also cited a supplementary statement recorded by a former Maoist, Pahad Singh, in support of her submission, will continue with her arguments on Thursday.
Pawar submitted that the forensic department’s final report, which provides the entire information, including the metadata, sought by the police in relation to the seized electronic devices, itself is a “preliminary and direct evidence” against the accused.
“Such forensically evaluated data is admissible as per provisions under the Evidence Act and the Information Technology Act,” she said, dismissing doubts raised by the accused about the authenticity of the electronic evidence.
“The Supreme Court, in its September 28, 2018 judgment dismissing historian Romila Thapar’s petition for a court-monitored SIT probe into the Elgar case, observed that it is not a case of arrest because of mere dissenting views expressed or difference in the political ideology of the named accused, but concerning their links with the members of the banned organisation and its activities. Here, the term `link with members of banned organisation and its activities’ is the most important aspect. The activities of the accused arrested so far ought to be taken into consideration while deciding their bail pleas,” the prosecutor said.
Pawar said, “Prima facie, the seized letters, when connected and analysed and weighed along with the forensic department’s report and the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the activities of all accused falls within the ambit of criminal conspiracy, sedition and terrorism related offences, among others.”
“The conspiracy can be traced to 2016, starting with the Maoists’ unsuccessful struggle to secure Delhi University professor G N Saibaba’s release in a UAPA case; to the funds provided for the same as well as other unlawful activities like exploiting sentiments of Dalits and provoking them by spreading rebellious thoughts through events like Elgar Parishad and exploiting the Koregaon Bhima violence to keep the unrest alive,” she said.
The Elgar Parishad was held in Pune on December 31, 2017 as part of the Koregaon Bhima Shaurya Abhiyaan.