Final 500-Page Written Argument To Be Presented In Koregaon Bhima Commission Today
Koregaon Bhima, 26th November 2024: The Koregaon Bhima Commission of Inquiry has entered its final stage. The Special Public Prosecutor will submit a 500-page written argument today, coinciding with Constitution Day.
The commission was established by the Maharashtra government on 9th February 2018 to investigate the violence that erupted on 1st January 2018, following a program in Koregaon Bhima. The clashes reportedly stemmed from a dispute between two groups and included allegations of police negligence in preventing the violence. Retired Justice J.M. Patel and former secretary Sumeet Malik have been leading the inquiry.
The written argument, which will reportedly assert that the attackers were outsiders, includes details regarding a controversy over boards placed in a specific area by certain organizations. A woman activist had raised concerns over the role of these boards in escalating tensions.
The commission recorded testimonies from 53 witnesses, including senior officials from the Pune police, rural police, former Pune district collector Saurabh Rao, political leaders Sharad Pawar and Prakash Ambedkar, as well as residents of Koregaon Bhima and Vadhu Budruk. Activist Harshali Potdar also provided testimony. Advocates representing various stakeholders cross-examined witnesses during the inquiry.
Initially given four months to complete its investigation, the commission has been granted multiple extensions. It is expected to complete its work by 30th November, with the final report likely to be submitted shortly after that.
