The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has initiated inquiries into the discovery of several posters found stuck on compound walls in Pune that demand the immediate and unconditional release of some Maoists arrested by the ATS last year.
Last year, the ATS had arrested Angela Sontakke, Mayuri Bhagat, Jyoti Chorge, Anuradha Sonule and Sidhharth Bhosale from various areas in Pune and Thane and charged them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. All the accused were alleged to be involved in the Maoist movement.
At around 9 pm on Friday night, the Vishrambaug police station received calls informing the police about some posters stuck to compound walls of the collector’s office, as well as the Patrakar Bhavan in the Vishrambaug area. Teams were rushed to both spots and around 25 to 30 posters were immediately taken off the walls and confiscated.
“The posters demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the arrested Maoists and also went on to say that the people of Maharashtra should call for a statewide bandh to protest the arrest of the ‘revolutionaries’. The poster bore a header saying ‘Indian Communist Party (Maoist), Maharashtra State Committee’,” said an officer with the Vishrambaug police.
Senior police inspector A.A. Sakunde added, “We immediately contacted the ATS and informed them about the incident. The ATS has now formally taken over the investigation of the case.”
Prima facie, the ATS suspects that a Maoist cell in Pune has become active following the arrest of Sontakke and her accomplices, and is trying to spread its propaganda. To eliminate any chances of further, more serious disruptions by the cell, the ATS is working round the clock to identify, trace and apprehend the accused, sources said.
Despite repeated attempts, ATS chief Rakesh Maria could not be reached for comment.