Varavara, 2 other activists brought back to their homes from Pune; allege being framed

Three of the five noted rights activists held for their alleged links with the Maoists were today brought back to their homes in Mumbai and Hyderabad from Pune after the Supreme Court ordered the Maharashtra police they be kept under house arrest and not in their custody.

Alleging that the activists were being framed, Leftist poet and writer Varavara Rao, who was brought to Hyderabad by air, hit out out at the Centre and the Maharashtra government, saying there cannot be a bigger conspiracy than calling those fighting against "fascist policies" conspirators.

Describing dissent as the "safety valve of democracy", the apex court yesterday directed the Maharashtra police that the five activists be kept under house arrest at their homes until the next day of hearing on September 6.

Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, were sent to Mumbai by road, said a police official in Pune.

Gonsalves reached his home in Mumbai's Andheri suburb around 7.30 am.

His wife, advocate Susan Abraham, said, "Vernon reached home safely and we welcomed him."