Accused seek bail in Nalasopara arms case

Mumbai: Days after the Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) filed a chargesheet, the three accused in the Nalasopara arms haul case on Friday filed a bail application before a special Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) court.

Sharad Kalaskar, Shrikant Pangarkar and Avinash Pawar on Friday filed bail applications before special judge P. S. Tarare. Kalaskar has contended that the special public prosecutor has been appointed in this case but he didn’t appeared on three dates. According to him, this case is governed by the NIA Act and UAP Act and it is obligatory for the prosecution to go ahead with day-to-day trial, but this has not happened in this case. It was pointed out by him that the home ministry is busy with preventive actions for ensuring smooth conduct of the Sunburn festival next week and this has taken priority over a speedy trial. There is no seriousness for the state to conduct this case. “The liberty of accused cannot be curtailed for satisfying whims and fancies of political rulers who prioritise their resources for their own cultural and political agenda and hence accused is entitled for bail.”

Pangarkar and Pawar have contended that the chargesheet filed against them, indicates that the probe in the case is over and their custodial interrogation is no more required. Their pleas further stated that there were no ingredients of any offence under UAPA against them. Pangarkar, also stated that he does not have any criminal antecedents.