NIA Seeks Bail Revocation for Bharadwaj and Rao Over Alleged Maoist Meeting Participation

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has requested the cancellation of bail for Elgar Parishad case accused Sudha Bharadwaj and Varavara Rao, based on their alleged participation in a meeting promoting Maoist ideology. The event breached bail conditions, with discussions centered on spreading the 'Urban Naxal' movement, according to NIA claims.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally requested the cancellation of bail for Sudha Bharadwaj and Varavara Rao, accused in the Elgar Parishad case. The NIA asserts that the two attended an event promoting Maoist ideology, thereby violating court-imposed bail conditions.

Bharadwaj was initially granted bail on technical grounds in 2021, followed by Rao a year later. The bail conditions included restrictions such as not leaving Mumbai without court approval, surrendering passports, and avoiding media discussions about the case.

The NIA claims the gathering aimed at propagating the ideology of the banned CPI (Maoist) group, thereby jeopardizing national security. The case, steeped in accusations of ties with Maoist groups, originated from alleged inflammatory speeches at the 2017 Elgar Parishad in Pune, which preceded violence.