"Gautam Navlakha's Bail Plea Opposed by NIA: Alleged Involvement in Urban Naxal Movement for Rural Logistics Support Revealed in Court
Human rights activist and journalist Gautam Navlakha's bail application faced opposition from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as it unveiled in the Bombay High Court that he was purportedly linked to an urban movement aimed at providing logistical support to the rural naxal movement. Represented by Additional Solicitor General Devang Vyas, the NIA argued that the 'urban naxal wing' played a complementary role in the broader rural arms struggle, facilitating resources such as manpower and funds.
Vyas emphasized, "Urban (naxal) movement is one of the main sources as it handles cadres to arrange logistics. Urban movement is complimentary to rural arms struggle. One cannot have a mass movement with urban movement but it arranges logistics to give the belief as wide publicity as possible."
Gautam Navlakha, an accused in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence case, had sought regular bail, which was denied by a special NIA court. The decision was revisited as directed by the High Court, and Navlakha appealed the rejection.
Navlakha's defense, led by Advocate Yug Mohit Chaudhary, underscored the absence of violence as a key element for invoking charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Chaudhary also pointed out Navlakha's advanced age and the yet-to-commence trial.
Vyas countered, stating that preliminary evidence indicated a conspiracy within a larger conspiracy. Navlakha has been charged under sections of 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. The NIA maintained that while no allegations of direct violent acts were made against Navlakha, his association and conspiracy were sufficient to apply UAPA.
"In regards to Navlakha, they may not have allegations of any violent act against him, but conspiracy with UAPA will be applicable against him. Prima facie investigation revealed these aspects. Navlakha conspired with other arrested and wanted accused persons to further the ideology of the Communist Party of India (Maoist)," the ASG said.
The court proceedings unveiled that individuals were assigned specific roles and Navlakha allegedly played a role in facilitating appointments and funds for the movement. Vyas is set to continue his submissions in the upcoming session."
TAGS: Gautam Navlakha NIA urban naxal movement rural naxal struggle logistics manpower funds Bombay High Court bail application Additional Solicitor General Devang Vyas Bhima Koregaon violence case Unlawful Activities Prevention Act UAPA conspiracy Indian Penal Code Communist Party of India (Maoist) court proceedings.
