Did NIA Arrest Social Activist Gade Innaiah for Pro-Maoist Comments?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gade Innaiah was arrested by the NIA for alleged pro-Maoist remarks.
- He faces serious charges under the UAPA.
- The arrest raises questions about the limits of free speech in activism.
- Innaiah is associated with an organization called Bharat Bachao.
- His previous legal issues involved connections to Maoist literature and funding.
Hyderabad, Dec 21 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended social activist Gade Innaiah on Sunday for his purported statements endorsing the Maoists.
The NIA officials took him into custody in Jangaon district of Telangana. He was subsequently transported to Hyderabad and presented before an NIA special court, which ordered him to be held in judicial custody for 14 days.
Innaiah was detained at an orphanage that he operates in Zaffargadh mandal, located in Jangaon district.
He allegedly made comments supporting the Maoist movement during the funeral service of the late Maoist leader Katha Ramachandra Reddy, also known as Vikalp.
He faces charges under Section 152 of Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 13 and 29 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for promoting support for the banned CPI (Maoist), intending to advance its activities, and inciting individuals to engage in unlawful acts while encouraging attendees to persist in the Maoist revolution.
Following the court’s decision, Innaiah was relocated to Chanchalguda Central Jail.
Innaiah is also recognized as the leader of a group named Bharat Bachao. In 2023, he, alongside another leader from Bharat Bachao and Khammam-based cardiologist Dr. MF Gopinath, along with former CPI (Maoist) Central Committee member Pulluri Prasad Rao alias Chandranna and two others, faced charges under UAPA after one of their associates was apprehended with gelatine sticks and Maoist literature.
The police arrested G. Srinivas while he was en route to meet Chandranna in Chhattisgarh.
As per police reports, Srinivas had received ₹27 lakh from unidentified individuals under Chandranna's directive for party funds for Bharat Bachao. Police seized ₹3.7 lakh in cash and gelatine sticks from him. Following his confession, a UAPA case was registered against Srinivas, Chandranna, Innaiah, Gopinath, and J. Ramesh.
Chandranna, along with Bandi Prakash alias Prabhath, a member of the CPI (Maoist) Telangana state committee, surrendered to B. Shivadhar Reddy, the Director General of Police in Telangana, this October.