State didn’t give proof against Sanatan Sanstha : NIA

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday said in the Bombay high court that the state government has not given any evidence so far against Sanatan Sanstha and therefore it was unable to investigate further and consider the demand by the anti-terrorism squad (ATS) to ban the organisation.

As public prosecutor and lawyer of the petitioner were absent during the hearing, the high court has adjourned the matter for a week.

The high court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by activist Vijay Rokade which had sought a ban on Hindu outfit Sanatan Sanstha.

According to the petition, there were serious allegations against the Sanstha. The petitioner further alleged the Sanstha was involved in terrorist activity and had waged a war against the nation.

The petition has sought labelling Sanstha trustees and office bearers as ‘terrorism activist’.

According to the petition, the organisation, which preaches ‘Ishwari Rajya’ is against democracy. It also alleged that the Sanstha practises Ericksonian Hypnosis, a technique, in which individuals can be hypnotised.

The petition also stated that two members of the Sanstha had been convicted for their role in the blasts in two theatres and a cinema hall in Thane, Vashi and Panvel in mid-2008.