Anand Teltumbde, an accused in the Bhima Koregaon case (2018) granted bail by Bombay HC

Bench: Justices AS Gadkari and Milind Jadhav

The Bombay High Court recently said that evidence against Anand Teltumbde, an accused in the 2018  Bhima Koregaon case suggests that he was not indulged in 'terrorist acts'.

The High Court made the observations while granting bail to Teltumbde, who was detained in Taloja Central Prison. 

They opined that the evidence brought by National Investigation Agency (NIA), did not inspire confidence in the court to bring Anand Teltumbde under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

The NIA relied upon some material to show that Teltumbde was actively involved in a larger conspiracy of the Communist Party of India (Maoist).

The bench, however, noted the prosecution failed to establish nexus and link Teltumbde with the alleged crime or any specific overt act. The bench further said that even if Teltumbde is associated with the Maoist, the same would not attract punishments for terrorist acts. The provisions such as sections 38 and 39 of the UAPA (being a member of a banned organization), would be attracted.

Considering that Anand Teltumbde had no criminal records and had still been behind bars for more than two and half years, the bench granted him bail.