Govt's priority is Sunburn, not our trial, says arms haul accused

Sharad Kalaskar, a suspected right-wing Hindu activist arrested in an arms haul case, has sought bail contending that the Maharashtra government is more interested in ensuring smooth conduct of the Sunburn festival than conducting his trial.

Kalaskar, Avinash Pawar and Shrikant Pangarkar, all arrested in August, moved a special court here Friday seeking bail. Judge D E Kothalikar will hear the pleas on January 7.

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of state police has arrested a total of 12 people under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) following raids at multiple places and seizure of arms and explosive materials.

The bail applications of Pawar and Pangarkar contended that the material on record does not contain any evidence against them, not does it prove any offence under the UAPA.

Kalaskar said in his plea that "social media reports suggest that the state home ministry is too busy with preventive actions for ensuring a smooth conduct of the Sunburn festival next week (at Pune)."