MUMBAI: The Koregaon Bhima inquiry commission has decided to summon NCP chief Sharad Pawar and former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for examination as witnesses in the caste violence case.However, the state recently gave an extension to the commission until April 8, 2020 and made it clear this would be the ‘final’ extension. Given the number of cross-examinations already pending (nearly 50), it is unlikely Pawar could be examined as witness by April 8.On Monday, the cross-examination of IPS officer Lakhmi Gautam was completed. The commission has planned the next hearing of eyewitnesses in Pune in March. During Gautam’s cross- examination, advocate Pradip Gavade referred to the application he has submitted before the commission on behalf of a Pune resident, Sagar Shinde, demanding that Sharad Pawar be summoned for examination.In his application to the commission, Gavade stated that Pawar had, in a recent press conference (February 18, 2020), alleged that right-wing activists Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide had created a certain atmosphere at Koregaon Bhima and its vicinity in the backdrop of the violence. “Pawar also alleged that the role played by the Pune police was doubtful and must be investigated,” according to the application.It further stated that the NCP chief’s statement is within the purview of the terms of reference of the commission and therefore relevant. “Pawar has certain relevant and additional information relating to the violence in Koregaon Bhima. Therefore, in the interests of justice, the applicant prays to the commission to issue summons to Pawar and require him to depose before the commission in person,” the application stated.JN Patel, the head of the two-member commission, said that Pawar would be summoned for examination as he has already submitted an affidavit in the matter. Patel also mentioned that among heads of political parties, the NCP chief is the only one who has responded to the commission.“Not only Pawar but former CM Devendra Fadnavis too and, if required, other political leaders will summoned by the commission,” Ashish Satpute, advocate for the commission, told TOI.Pointing out that the tenure of the commission is only up to April 8, Satpute said, “It is difficult to complete the process of examining political leaders (by April 8) as many cross-examinations are pending. Pawar may be examined only if the state gives further extension to the commission, but the commission will not be seeking an extension. It is the responsibility of the government to give ample time to the commission to give justice to the case.”The event to mark the 200th anniversary of the Koregaon Bhima battle in Pune district was marred by violence on January 1, 2018. During the violence, one person from the Maratha community was killed.