Fri Jan 24 09:34:06 UTC 2025: **Headline: Elgar Parishad Case: Activists Rona Wilson and Sudhir Dhawale Released on Bail After Six Years**
**Mumbai, January 24, 2025** – Rona Wilson and Sudhir Dhawale, two prominent activists arrested in 2018 in connection with the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, were released on bail Friday. The duo, who had been held in Taloja jail near Navi Mumbai, walked free after completing bail formalities following a Bombay High Court ruling on January 8th.
The High Court cited the activists’ prolonged pre-trial detention (since 2018) and the fact that the trial, under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), had yet to begin. The prosecution’s list of over 300 witnesses further contributed to the court’s decision, suggesting a lengthy trial process.
Wilson and Dhawale are among 16 activists and academics arrested in the case, which stems from allegations of inflammatory speeches at the Elgar Parishad conclave in Pune on December 31, 2017, that allegedly triggered violence the following day in Koregaon-Bhima. The Pune Police initially investigated, claiming Maoist involvement, before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the probe.
Eight of the sixteen accused, including Wilson and Dhawale, have now been granted bail. However, one, Mahesh Raut, remains imprisoned pending a Supreme Court decision on an NIA appeal against his bail. Another accused, Jesuit priest Stan Swamy, died in judicial custody in 2021. The trial in the case has yet to commence.
First Piper 