In response to growing protests against the arrest of five activists with alleged links to the banned CPI (Maoist), the Maharashtra home department has said that the police have concrete evidence in the case.

Minister of State for Home (Urban) Dr Ranjit Patil told mid-day that the action taken against the activists was justified under the law. He said the law empowers enforcement agencies to investigate and arrest the suspects, and investigate further. "Whatever evidence the police get will be placed before the court for further direction. The court of law decides whether the suspects need to be kept in custody or released [on bail]," said the minister, refusing to divulge any further details.