Pune: The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has sought court approval for a DNA test on Sanjay Deepak Rao, also known as Vijay, a central committee member of the banned Maoist Communist Party, who has been operating under various aliases.
The decision on this request, initially expected on Monday (July 15), has been postponed to Thursday (July 18) by Special Judge V. R. Kachare.
Rao's lawyer, Rohan Nahar, confirmed the deferral, noting that the special court's decision was eagerly anticipated. Rao has been found with multiple Aadhaar cards bearing different names, which were seized by investigative agencies in Hyderabad. He is suspected of using these aliases to carry out underground activities for the Maoist organization.
Given the need to confirm his identity, the ATS has requested a DNA test to be conducted. Rao has been remanded to judicial custody, maintaining his rights to police custody.
The forthcoming decision on Thursday will determine whether the DNA test can proceed, potentially shedding light on his true identity and activities.
Maoist leader Konath Muralidharan alias Thomas (age 61, originally from near Kochi Refineries, Ernakulam, Kerala), and accomplice Ismail Hamza CP alias James Mathew (from Vala Rand, Pandikand, Malappuram, Kerala) were arrested by the ATS on May 8, 2015.
The investigation revealed their membership in the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) and their involvement in spreading Maoist ideology in urban areas while operating underground. Subsequently, a case was registered against their associate, Sanjay Deepak Rao, who had been absconding since then.
The ATS filed a charge sheet against Konath and Ismail on October 14, 2015, and they were later granted bail. Following his escape, Rao continued to spread Maoist ideology while remaining underground.
Telangana police apprehended him last year and recovered a revolver from his possession. Rao was taken into custody from Cherlapally Jail in Hyderabad and subsequently presented before the Shivajinagar court by the ATS.
