Koregaon Bhima Inquiry Commission: Lawyer alleges role of Hindutva organisations, witness denies it

Aashish Satpute, lawyer for the commission, exhibited these details. In a few images, Dabhade’s photographs are placed along with Hindutva leaders Sambhaji Bhide, Milind Ekbote and Dhananjay Desai.

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Koregaon Bhima Inquiry Commission, advocate B G Bansode, claimed that the violence in the Koregaon Bhima area on January 1 was a conspiracy by Hindutva organisations. (Representational)

During cross-examination of Sharad Dabhade, a witness from Vadhu Budruk, who has filed an affidavit before the Koregaon Bhima Inquiry Commission, advocate B G Bansode, representing Dalit witnesses Tukaram Gavare and Bhaskar Pandagale, on Monday claimed that the violence in the Koregaon Bhima area on January 1 was a conspiracy by Hindutva organisations.

Bansode submitted computer-designed images and messages posted on a WhatsApp group, whose list of members has Dabhade’s contact number.

Aashish Satpute, lawyer for the commission, exhibited these details. In a few images, Dabhade’s photographs are placed along with Hindutva leaders Sambhaji Bhide, Milind Ekbote and Dhananjay Desai.

A message posted by a group member called January 1, 1818 as a “Black Day” because of the defeat of Maratha forces. Another message with the slogan ‘Ek Hindu Lakh Hindu’ appealed for a gathering in Vadhu Budruk on January 1 to “oppose those spreading distorted history about Sambhaji Maharaj”.

Another message with the slogan ‘Ek Maratha Lakh Maratha’ appealed to Marathas to keep their shops closed and not even sell water on January 1.

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