The two-member judicial commission inquiring into the 2018 Koregaon Bhima violence case on Monday, 23 March, sought a six-month extension from the Maharashtra government as it has postponed its hearing in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak and resultant lockdown.
The commission wrote a letter to the state chief secretary seeking extension.
"In view of coronavirus epidemic and complete lockdown, the Commission has postponed its proceedings until further notice. As such the Commission is unable to submit any report," the letter signed by Commission Secretary V V Palnitkar said.
"If extension is given by the state government, the Commission intends to examine 40-50 more witnesses, including police, state and prominent politicians. For that purpose, the Commission will require not less than six months," it added.
Violence erupted in Koregaon Bhima and nearby areas in Pune on 1 January 2018 during 200th anniversary celebrations of the Koregaon-Bhima battle. One person was killed in the riots and several others injured.
The Pune police had said provocative speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held on 31 December 2017 triggered the violence. Maharashtra government had set up a two-member commission in February 2018 to conduct an inquiry into the violence.
The commission is headed by former high court judge JN Patel with former chief secretary Sumit Mullick is its member. It has since then received four extensions. Last month, the commission was given a final extension till 8 April this year by the government to submit its report.
On 18 March, the commission had issued summons to NCP chief Sharad Pawar to appear as a witness before it on 4 April. Apart from Pawar, the commission had also summoned a few senior police officials of Pune Rural area. Pawar was summoned as witness by the commission in view of certain statements made by him about the violence.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)