Jambuwantrao Dhote, 3 others booked for favouring naxals

Nagpur, July 6 (UNI) Prominent politician Jambuwantrao Dhote and three others were booked by Chandrapur police under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act-2004 for lauding the naxal activities in the region on Tuesday.

On April nine, 2006, Mr Dhote, who is believed to be a staunch supporter of the seperate statehood for Vidarbha, and his three associates, Koshor Potanwar, Chandrchud Tembre and Shailesh Wakde, had participated in a debate contest at Chandrapur on the topic 'Motive Behind Shanti Yatra - What's true,' and spoke in favour of the activities of naxals.

The debate was organised by the Jan Sangharsha Manch on the 'Shanti Yatra' launched by some senior journalistrs from Vidarbha in the naxal-infested district of Gadchiroli.

The three associates had also distributed pamphlets allegedly describing naxalites as ''martyrs and patriots.'' Chandrapur Superintendent of police (SP) Ravindra kadam told UNI that after investigating their statements, they were found guilty and it was noted that their utterances were of serious nature.

Cases were registered against them, he said.

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