NIA questions Mumbai Press Club officials and expelled journalists over terrace event
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has recorded statements from six individuals, including three office-bearers and three expelled journalists from the Mumbai Press Club, regarding an unauthorized January 19 gathering of Elgaar Parishad case accused on the club's terrace. The questioning, which took place during the first week of June, is part of the federal agency's effort to cancel the bail of several accused who attended the event.
The agency questioned senior journalists Gurbir Singh, Bernard D’Mello, and Shrikant Modak, who were expelled from the club in April. The NIA also recorded statements from Mumbai Press Club office-bearers, including secretary Mayuresh Ganpatye, chairman Rajesh Mascarenhas, and treasurer Sourabh Sharma.
Investigators sought specific details about the January 19 meeting, which was attended by several accused in the Elgaar Parishad case who are currently out on bail. Officials questioned the club's management on how they learned about the gathering, who informed them of the presence of the accused, and what subsequent actions the management took.
Additionally, the NIA inquired about the disciplinary proceedings that led to the six-year suspension of the three journalists. Investigators reviewed the internal inquiry, the evidence considered, and the basis for the managing committee's decision to suspend their membership.
According to one of the questioned journalists, the agency also asked about the purpose of the meeting, its attendees, and whether the participants had links to the Bhima Koregaon accused or Naxal organisations. The journalist told the agency that the dinner was a celebratory gathering after Gautam Navlakha’s bail conditions were relaxed late last year, allowing him to travel to Delhi. The discussion reportedly focused on prison conditions and the health of incarcerated prisoners.
The NIA has used the January 19 meeting in its application before the Bombay High Court to seek the cancellation of bail for Varavara Rao, Sudha Bharadwaj, Vernon Gonsalves, and Arun Ferreira. The agency argues that the accused violated bail conditions that prohibit them from communicating with co-accused or individuals involved in similar activities.
In response, 87-year-old Telugu poet Varavara Rao opposed the plea, stating there was no misuse of bail. In his affidavit, Rao claimed the invitation was extended orally by a third party and that the accused attended without knowing other co-accused would be present. Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira have also filed replies opposing the NIA's application. The Bombay High Court is scheduled to hear the matter on July 10.
