Stan Swamy, 83, is accused of instigating the Bhima-Koregaon violence (File)
Mumbai:
Father Stan Swamy, the 83-year-old tribal rights activist arrested last month over his alleged involvement in the Bhima-Koregaon case, will have to wait till at least December to use a straw and sipper cup which he needs as a patient diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
The National Investigation Agency or the NIA has filed a reply on the petition of Mr Swamy seeking the return of the straw and sipper confiscated during his arrest, telling a Pune court that the agency did not take them.
The NIA told the special court in Pune that it has not taken the straw and sipper of Father Stan Swamy when the agency arrested him.
After the agency’s response, the special court rejected Father Stan Swamy’s application.
Following this, father Stan Swamy has moved a fresh application seeking permission to use a straw and a sipper and winter clothes inside the jail premises.
The court has sought the response of the jail authorities and adjourned the matter till December 4.
Parkinson’s is a debilitating disorder of the central nervous system that can cause involuntary tremors, or muscular spasms, which makes carrying out even everyday actions, such as drinking, difficult. In addition, some patients also develop problems swallowing or chewing.
The Bhima-Koregaon case refers to violence that erupted in the vicinity of a war memorial in the village of that name on January 1, 2018. This was allegedly after provocative speeches were made during the Elgar Parishad conclave held a day earlier at Shaniwarwada in Pune.
The NIA claims Mr Swamy is linked to CPI (Maoist) activities and had a role in instigating violence.
