Strong evidence against those arrested for Naxal links: CM

Several pieces of evidence have been found against those arrested for alleged Naxal connection to the Bhima-Koregaon violence, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said.

Evidence suggesting a direct link of the accused with Naxal leaders was found during the probe, he told the Legislative Council here.

Police also found some e-mails (sent or received by the accused) pertaining to "conspiracies", the chief minister said.

MLC Kapil Patil had raised the issue during Question Hour, noting that there was also a lawyer among those accused.

There is a difference between sympathising with an ideology (such as Naxalism) and actually practising it, he said, asking whether the government will consider releasing the accused from prison until the judicial inquiry in the matter is complete.

Neelam Gorhe of the Shiv Sena sought to know the status of investigation and when a charge-sheet will be filed.

Replying to Gorhe's question, Fadnavis said, "A judicial inquiry is underway, and hence making acomment on this will not be appropriate."