The Bombay High Court granted bail to Rona Wilson and Sudhir Dhawale, key accused in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence case, citing prolonged detention and delays in the trial process. Accused since July 2018 under the UAPA, they must report to the NIA weekly. The case remains contentious amid concerns over procedural fairness.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday (Jan 8th) granted bail to Rona Wilson and Sudhir Dhawale, two key accused in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence case. The bail was granted by a Bench comprising Justice AS Gadkari and Justice Kamal Khata, who cited prolonged incarceration, delays in framing charges, and the extensive list of over 300 witnesses yet to be examined as key reasons for their decision.
The Court granted bail subject to several conditions, including the furnishing of bail bonds of Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, Wilson and Dhawale have been directed to report to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) every Monday.
Wilson and Dhawale have been in judicial custody since their arrests in July 2018 under charges framed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Their plea for default bail had been denied by the High Court as recently as July 2024, making the current order a significant relief for the accused.
Background of the Bhima Koregaon Case
The case traces its roots to the Elgar Parishad event held on December 31, 2017, organized by activists, including retired Supreme Court judge Justice PB Sawant and retired Bombay High Court judge Justice BG Kolse-Patil. The event commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Dalit soldiers’ victory against the Brahmin Peshwa ruler in a historic battle.
However, the celebration was followed by violent clashes between Dalit and Maratha groups, leading to one death and multiple injuries. The aftermath of these events resulted in the registration of three First Information Reports (FIRs).
The FIR lodged on January 8, 2018, which alleged links between Leftist groups and Maoist organizations, became the focal point of the investigation. The authorities pursued this FIR rigorously, leading to the arrests of 16 individuals and the filing of three chargesheets.
The decision to grant bail comes amidst growing concerns over the extended incarceration of the accused without the framing of charges. Legal experts have highlighted the procedural delays and questioned the fairness of holding individuals for years without significant progress in the trial.
While Wilson and Dhawale’s release on bail marks a pivotal moment, the broader Bhima Koregaon case continues to be a contentious legal and political issue. As the trial progresses, the focus will remain on ensuring justice for all parties involved while addressing the systemic delays that have plagued the case.
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