State backs order to extend Gadling custody

Mumbai: The state government has backed the Pune court’s order of extending custody of Bhima-Koregaon violence accused Surendra Gadling. The state told the high court that the Pune police is yet to complete its probe and, therefore, the trial court was justified in granting the police additional time to file the chargesheet and consequently extend Gadling’s custody period.

Justice Mridula Bha-tkar of the Bombay high court was hearing petition filed by Mr Gadling challenging the order passed by the Pune sessions court. Mr Gadling approach-ed the high court earlier this month claiming that keeping him und-er extended custody and refusing to release him on bail were illegal  since the prosecution had failed to follow due procedure  whi-le seeking extension of time for filing the char-gesheet against him.