Baroda dynamite case

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Baroda dynamite case is the term used for the criminal case launched by Indira Gandhi government in India in Indian Emergency (1975 - 77) against the opposition leader George Fernandes and others.

The CBI charged George and others on charges of smuggling dynamite to blow up government establishments and railway tracks in protest against the state of emergency. They were also charged with waging war against the state to overawe and overthrow the government.

The accused were arrested in June 1976 and imprisoned.

The Case saw the main accused Fernandes emerge as one of the inspiring symbols of resistance against an authoritarian regime of Indira Gandhi. The other prominent accused were Viren J. Shah,Madhu Limaye,M.S.Apparao,Madhu Dandhavate,Snehalata Reddy and others. Fernandes many years later claimed he was given shelter and assistance by M.Karunanidhi.

The case was tried in Delhi, the CBI justifying the action on the ground that even though the site of the incident was Baroda, the case had national ramifications.

Fernandes fought the 1977 Lok Sabha election from Muzaffarpurin Bihar while in jail as an under trial in the case. He swept the polls with his supporters campaigning with his photo in prison cage and chains.

Janata Party withdrew the case on coming to power in 1977 and all accused were released.