India News | Elgar Parishad Maoist Links Case: NIA Opposes Accused Mahesh Raut's Bail Plea; Claims He Acted Against Interest of State
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has opposed the bail plea of Mahesh Raut, an activist arrested in the Elgar Parishad Maoist links case, alleging that he acted against the interests of the state and society.
Mumbai, Jun 27 (PTI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has opposed the bail plea of Mahesh Raut, an activist arrested in the Elgar Parishad Maoist links case, alleging that he acted against the interests of the state and society.
The probe agency in an affidavit filed in response to Raut's bail petition said it was not justifiable for an accused, booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), to seek bail on constitutional grounds.
Raut had in his plea had said that his custody was unwarranted and that it was against Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India.
"It is not justifiable for an accused of such offence to seek relief on constitutional grounds when his acts are itself against the interest of the State and society," the affidavit said.
The agency claimed that the alleged acts committed by Raut had a direct impact on the unity, integrity, security and sovereignty of India.
It further said that the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency, which has “plagued this country”, has caused destruction of lives of people, police, etc.
The NIA said this insurgency was spearheaded by the CPI (Maoist), of which Raut was a member. The activist was arrested in June 2018 and is presently in judicial custody. A division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and S G Dige on Tuesday posted Raut's plea for hearing on July 12.
(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)