More than 1,000 Scientists, Academics raise concerns over NIA probe in Elgar Parishad Case
Over 1,000 scientists and academics from India and abroad have endorsed a statement raising concerns over the actions of National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its investigation of the Bhima Koregaon violence.
Researchers from affiliated institutions such as Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Azim Premji University, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, Shiv Nadar University, Mumbai University, Calcutta University, among others, have alleged that instead of investigating those responsible for the violent clashes in Koregaon Bhima, the NIA (and earlier, the Pune Police) has focused on the Elgaar Parishad event, a large cultural and political gathering reportedly organised by two well-known retired judges.
“Surprisingly, in this process, the investigating agencies have arrested several illustrious citizens — including academics, lawyers and prominent activists. Most of the individuals taken into custody were not even present at the Elgaar Parishad event. So it is (very) unlikely that the government will secure a conviction in this case. However, by using the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the government has prevented those who have been arrested from obtaining bail,” read the statement.
“It appears to us that the NIA’s claims of investigating the “conspiracy” in the Elgaar Parishad case are actually a flimsy cover for cracking down on “urban Naxals” — who, in reality, are only dissident intellectuals — and keeping them in prison indefinitely,” it added.
After arresting Delhi Univeristy professor Hany Babu a few weeks ago, the NIA has continued to interrogate academics and activists, and even defence lawyers for some of the accused. Most recently, the NIA summoned the well-known scientist and activist, Professor Partho Sarothi Ray, of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, to Mumbai on September 10 for questioning in the case, the statement read.
Besides his outstanding scientific work, Ray has also been deeply involved in social causes. “He has worked extremely hard in coordinating efforts in the Nadia district to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, by helping to set up and operate the government-run COVID testing centre in the district,” the statement pointed.
The letter has demanded that the government should immediately end its crackdown on dissidents and release those arrested in the Elgaar Parishad case. It should focus on identifying and prosecuting perpetrators of the violence in Koregaon Bhima instead, it added.
Courtesy: Indianexpress.com
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Three arrested for running fake Aadhaar racket in UP's Badaun
Budaun (UP), Apr 30 (PTI): The Budaun Police on Thursday busted a gang allegedly involved in preparing fake Aadhaar cards and forged documents, and arrested three of its members, officials said.
The action was carried out in the Hazratpur area, where the accused were found operating an illegal setup to generate fake identity documents, they said.
The accused have been identified as Farman Ali, a resident of Munshi Nagla, Anuj Kumar of Uprela, and Brajnandan of Sirsauli.
The police said a fingerprint scanner, three laptops, a hard disk, a scanner, a large number of Aadhaar cards and several suspicious documents were recovered from their possession.
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During interrogation, it was revealed that the gang had been involved in preparing fake identity documents for a long time, misleading people and earning money through illegal means, officials said.
Station House Officer Pushpendra Singh said the accused have been produced before a court, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest other members of the gang.
He added that further revelations are likely as the investigation progresses.
