Pauri Nagar Palika chairman Yashpal Benam, former position holder Sarita Negi and advocate Ashok Bisht were released from Pauri jail on Tuesday night after the Chief Judicial Magistrate, SK Singh, granted bail to these accused under Sections 353, 506 of Indian Penal Code.
A fresh application had been filed in the Chief Judicial Magistrate court under Section 353 and 506 of IPC on Tuesday by the accused.
It will be recalled that the Uttarakhand High Court had granted bail to Benam, Negi and Bisht under Section 332 and Section 504 of IPC on Monday, under which the Chief Judicial Magistrate and Additional District Judge Court Kotdwar had earlier rejected the bail application of these accused.
During the proceeding of the court, Section 332 was converted into Section 353 of IPC and Section 506 was also introduced in the case. Now the case proceeding will run against Benam, Sarita Negi and Ashok Bisht under Section 353, 504 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.
When Benam and the two other accused, when released from Pauri Jail Khandusain after 27 days, the supporters of Benam burst cracker and raised slogans in favour of Benam, when he reached the Agency Chowk on Tuesday late evening.
Observers pointed out that the general public is wondering whether the recent experience will bring about any change in the stance of the municipal council chairman.
Some of the locals opine that Benam might be cross with those who opposed his style of functioning. Benam had allegedly threatened those, who had and still want to get some information under the Right of Information Act.
The people of the Pauri town have also demanded an inquiry against the alleged illegal work conducted and financial irregularities by the municipal council chairman. They have also stated their demand in a memorandum submitted to the Pauri District Magistrate.
The Vyapar Sabha of Pauri is also dissatisfied with the Municipal Council for imposing tax on the business fraternity and is considering the launch of an agitation after holding a meeting in the near future.