Bhima Koregaon case: Varavara Rao was granted bail on medical grounds by the Supreme Court

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• Aug 10, 2022 | Poonam Nath

The 83-year-old is now out on temporary medical bail and was supposed to turn himself in on July 12. He has appealed the Bombay High Court's decision to deny his request for permanent medical bail.

Digital Desk: On medical grounds, the Supreme Court on Wednesday granted bail to activist Varavara Rao, a defendant in the Bhima Koregaon case, according to a national news agency report.

A bench led by Justice U U Lalit stated he would not abuse his freedom in any way when granted bail.

The 83-year-old is now out on temporary medical bail and was supposed to turn himself in on July 12. He has appealed the Bombay High Court's decision to deny his request for permanent medical bail.

Rao's temporary protection had been extended by the supreme court till further instructions on July 12.

The case allegedly stems from provocative remarks made at the Elgar Parishad conclave in Pune on December 31, 2017, which, according to the police, led to unrest the following day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial outside the western Maharashtra city. 

The conclave, according to the Pune police, was put together by individuals with possible Maoist ties. Later, the investigation was taken over by the NIA.

Rao is currently awaiting trial after being detained on August 28, 2018, outside of his home in Hyderabad. On January 8, 2018, the Pune Police filed an FIR under many provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code.