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Elgar case: NIA seeks cancellation of activists Sudha Bharadwaj and Varavara Rao's bail
The National Investigation Agency moved a plea in a Mumbai special court seeking cancellation of bail for activists Sudha Bharadwaj and Varavara Rao in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, alleging they violated bail conditions by attending a Mumbai Press Club event on January 19, 2026. Bharadwaj was granted bail in 2021 on technical grounds, while Rao reportedly walked out of custody in 2022. The court has scheduled a hearing on May 22 following the plea.
Why It Matters
This development tests compliance with bail conditions in a high-profile case linked to the 2017 Elgar Parishad events and could influence the ongoing legal trajectory of the accused.
Timeline
9 Events
Next hearing scheduled in Elgar Parishad bail case
May 15, 2026
The court sought the response of the accused and the matter will next be heard on May 22.
NIA seeks cancellation of bail for Bharadwaj and Rao
May 15, 2026
NIA moved a plea before a Mumbai special court seeking cancellation of bail granted to Sudha Bharadwaj and Varavara Rao, citing violation of bail conditions.
Mumbai Press Club suspends members following event
January 21, 2026
Two days after the Mumbai Press Club event, the club suspended three of its members.
Bharadwaj and Rao attend Mumbai Press Club event
January 19, 2026
Bharadwaj and Rao attended an event at the Mumbai Press Club, which is cited as a potential bail-condition violation.
Rao bail granted; walks out of jail
2022
Varavara Rao walked out of jail after being granted bail, about a year after Bharadwaj's bail.
Bharadwaj bail granted on technical grounds
2021
Sudha Bharadwaj was granted bail on technical grounds in the Elgar Parishad case.
FIR lodged in Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case
January 8, 2018
Pune police lodged an FIR under various sections of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities Act in connection with the case.
Violence near Koregaon Bhima after Elgar Parishad
January 1, 2018
Violence occurred near the Koregaon Bhima war memorial the day after the Elgar Parishad conclave.
Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune
December 31, 2017
The Elgar Parishad conclave was held in Pune. Police claimed the event featured inflammatory speeches and linked it to violence the next day near the Koregaon Bhima war memorial.