The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has strongly opposed the request of academician Anand Teltumbde to travel abroad, citing concerns that he may abscond and seek asylum. Teltumbde, who is accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, approached the Bombay High Court last month, seeking permission to travel to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to deliver lectures on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
In its affidavit, the NIA argued that Teltumbde, who is currently out on bail, faces severe charges related to promoting Maoism and Naxalism. The agency suggested that there was no necessity for Teltumbde to physically attend events abroad as the lectures could be conducted online.
Highlighting the risks, the NIA affidavit stated, “There is a strong possibility that the accused may abscond if permitted to travel abroad and take shelter in those foreign countries to avoid judicial process and trial in this case.” It added, “The likelihood of the accused absconding and taking asylum in a foreign country cannot be ruled out.”
Teltumbde’s legal representatives argue that he is a respected authority on Dr. Ambedkar, the Dalit movement, caste issues, public policy, and democratic rights in India. His petition outlines invitations from multiple prestigious institutions, including a four-week program at the University of Amsterdam, where he is expected to participate in seminars, deliver lectures, and interact with Ph.D. candidates.
Moreover, the petition details invitations from Leiden University in the Netherlands and Nottingham Trent University in the UK, among others, emphasizing his role as a scholar-in-residence.
During the hearing on Thursday, Justice A S Gadkari noted that the matter was assigned to another bench and directed that Teltumbde’s petition be placed before the appropriate bench for further proceedings.
