Crossword Genius

Group could verify it was charged (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

faction

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'group' is the definition.

'was charged' is the wordplay.
'was' becomes 'fact' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'charged' becomes 'ion' (I've seen this in other clues).
'fact'+'ion'='FACTION'

'could verify it' is the link.
This may not be correct. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for faction that I've seen before include "camp" , "Small united group within larger one" , "Act on if for a small group within a larger one" , "band" , "Seeing political dissenters" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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