Activists Rona Wilson, Sudhir Dhawale Walk Out Of Maharashtra Prison After 6 Years And 7 Months

Rona Wilson and Sudhir Dhawale, activists accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, were released from Taloja jail in Navi Mumbai on Friday after enduring over six years of imprisonment. The duo walked free at approximately 1:30 pm, following the completion of bail formalities before the special NIA court.

The Bombay High Court granted bail to Wilson and Dhawale on 8 January, citing the prolonged incarceration since their arrest in 2018. The court noted that even after more than six years, charges were yet to be framed, and with over 300 witnesses cited by the prosecution, the trial’s conclusion appeared unlikely in the near future.

The case, which involved allegations of Maoist support and speeches delivered at the Elgar Parishad conclave in Pune on 31 December 2017, purportedly triggered violence in Koregaon-Bhima the following day. Initially investigated by the Pune police, the case was later transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), invoking charges under the anti-terror law UAPA.

Wilson and Dhawale are among 16 activists and academics accused in the case. To date, eight others, including Sudha Bharadwaj, Anand Teltumbde, and Gautam Navlakha, have been granted bail. However, Mahesh Raut remains in custody, awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision on the NIA’s appeal against his bail. Tragically, Jesuit priest and activist Stan Swamy, another accused, passed away in custody in 2021.

The case has drawn widespread criticism for its lengthy judicial delays and alleged misuse of the UAPA, with activists describing the incarceration as unjust. Speaking about the court’s observation, the High Court emphasised that justice delayed risks undermining fairness, especially in cases where trials fail to commence for years.