The farmers, who assumed that they were being called for routine questioning, were taken aback after the arrest. They have been booked under IPCs several sections like attempt to murder, rioting, criminal conspiracy and damaging public property.
Three villagers, including a woman, were killed in the firing near Baur village on the expressway on August 9, 2011 during a protest against the acquisition of land for the implementation of a water pipeline project from the Pavana dam to Pimpri-Chinchwad. Several farmers were also injured.
Over 40 policemen, including former SP Sandeep Karnik, were injured in the clashes.
Six policemen were suspended for vandalizing vehicles while two police officers suspended for the firing.
Ten farmers were arrested soon after the incident. Thirty others got anticipatory bail from aPune court.
ASP Ramnath Pokale said, "Investigations have revealed that 48 farmers were among the protestors who had pelted stones on the police, damaged and burned several vehicles and staged a rasta roko on the expressway. Their images were caught on camera and the witnesses whose statements were recorded had also revealed their involvement. After collecting all evidence against the farmers, we decided to arrest them." Pokale said investigations in the case are in progress. “The suspects can be arrested any time. There is no time limit for arrests."
Assistant inspector Rajendra Patil told TOI that they had served notices to 165 farmers from many villages in Maval taluka on Thursday. The notices were served under section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPc), asking them to appear before the investigating officer for questioning. "Only 48 farmers, most of them residing in villages near Baur, turned up at the police station. We have identified 200 farmers for their involvement in the violence. The process of arresting the remaining farmers will continue.”
Assistant public prosecutor Vijay Kshirsagar said the farmers were sent in magisterial custody as their custodial interrogation was not essential.