DD news protest: Court denies bail to accused
A Delhi court has dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of a man in a case regarding a protest outside Doordarshan Bhawan last month, saying the custodial interrogation of the accused was needed to unearth the “entire conspiracy”. On April 14, a protest was held outside the DD News office against anchor Ashok Shrivastav for allegedly using derogatory language against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, following which a case was registered at Tilak Marg police station.
In an order dated May 26, Additional Sessions Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon said there are prima facie serious allegations against the applicant or accused Ranvir Singhania, noting that the investigating officer (IO) opposed the relief.
The IO argued that the accused’s custodial interrogation is required for identification of other accused persons. “It is stated by IO that as per the CCTV footage collected by them, the applicant/accused is clearly seen bringing the protestors to Doordarshan Bhawan in multiple vehicles bearing Rajasthan registration numbers, and he is also seen protesting, shouting slogans and burning effigy,” Judge Tandon said.
The judge further said that according to the IO, after the accused joined the investigation under the protection of the court, CCTV footage had been shown to him and he identified himself and other 17-18 persons there, and his vehicle, used for bringing the protestors to the spot, was recovered and seized.
The court, however, clarified that its observations would not have any bearing on the merits of the case during trial.
“Since the matter is at the initial stage and the custodial interrogation of applicant/accused has been claimed by the investigating agency to unearth the entire conspiracy and the people involved in the commission of the offence and apprehend them, hence, this court finds that no ground is made out to grant anticipatory bail,” the judge said, dismissing the plea.
