Pune: The special public prosecutor is scheduled to submit a comprehensive 500-page final written argument before the Koregaon-Bhima Inquiry Commission on November 26.
This marks a critical phase in the inquiry into the violent riots that occurred in Koregaon-Bhima in January 2018.
The riots erupted on January 1, 2018, following an event commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Koregaon-Bhima Victory Pillar. The event, which drew thousands, turned violent, leading to widespread clashes and significant unrest across the state.
The Maharashtra government responded by establishing the Koregaon-Bhima Inquiry Commission in February 2018, under the leadership of retired Justice J. M. Patel and former secretary Sumit Malik, to probe the incident thoroughly.
Over the course of the inquiry, testimonies from 53 witnesses were recorded, including senior police officials from Pune city and rural areas, former district collector Saurabh Rao, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi leader Prakash Ambedkar, and residents of Koregaon-Bhima and Vadhu Budruk.
Activist Harshali Potdar also testified. Lawyers representing various stakeholders conducted extensive cross-examinations during the proceedings.
The commission, which initially had a four-month deadline to submit its findings, encountered delays and required multiple extensions. It is now expected to finalize its report by November 30, offering critical insights into the causes and responsibilities associated with the violence.
The special public prosecutor's final argument is anticipated to delve into several contentious aspects, including whether similar crimes occurred elsewhere following the Koregaon-Bhima event, the involvement of Naxalites and individuals with criminal records, and the accountability of those who called for a statewide shutdown during the unrest.
A particular focus will be on a senior leader of the Bahujan Aghadi, whose alleged actions may have exacerbated the situation.
The prosecutor is also expected to discuss who should bear responsibility for the damages caused during the riots.