‘Have asked Union Home Ministry to declare Sanatan Sanstha a terror outfit’

State informs HC in affidavit.

The Maharashtra government has informed the Bombay High Court that it has recommended the Centre to declare right wing organisation Sanatan Sanstha a terror outfit under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). However, the state government is yet to take a decision on whether or not Abhinav Bharat should also be banned under the Act.

The state Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) had recommended the state government to ban Abhinav Bharat, members of which are alleged to have carried out terror activities in 2008 at Malegaon, and declare it a terror outfit under the UAPA.

The state government recently filed an affidavit before a Division Bench headed by Justice D D Sinha, saying it is still considering the proposal forwarded by ATS. The affidavit was submitted in reply to a petition filed by a Trust of the same name (Abhinav Bharat), seeking direction to the charity commissioner to cancel the registration of the other group, which is alleged to be involved in terror acts.

"The police request to include Sanatan Sanstha in the schedule of terrorist organisation under UAPA has been accepted and a proposal forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs," stated the affidavit filed by Sudhakar Chavan, joint secretary, Home Department. "However, no decision has been taken on the ATS proposal for Abhinav Bharat. The proposal will be considered in due course of time," it said.

ALSO READ

Delhi nursing graduate loses eye in acid attack at Bandra station

Worry and anger in Mumbai police after R R Patil snatches right to promote

MNS student wing demands question papers in Marathi

UN rapporteur comes calling, lends an ear to Ishrat's mother