Somnath Bharti, Delhi’s former law Minister and Aam Aadmi Party MlA from Malviya Nagar, is facing an imminent arrest after the Delhi High Court on Tuesday rejected his plea for anticipatory bail in the domestic violence and attempt to murder case lodged by his wife lipika Mitra. Bharti’s aides said that he would move the Supreme Court “immediately” for relief.
Soon after the HC rejected his plea, the Delhi Police raided his office and residence, but Bharti managed to flee. Sources said Bharti is hiding in a secure location immune to police raids.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Dependra Pathak told The Pioneer that two police teams were sent to Bharti’s office in Dwarka and his residence in Malviya Nagar. “His phone was also found to be switched off,” he added.
A supporter of Bharti said, “10-12 policemen came looking for him an hour after the bail plea was rejected by the HC. They also snatched away our mobile phones.”
While rejecting Bharti’s plea for anticipatory bail, the HC observed that the allegations against him were backed by “documentary proof”.
The HC also noted that the fact that he was involved in two more cases, registered at Malviya Nagar police station for several offences, including molestation, “speaks volume and shows that Bharti is not only violent and outrageous at home but also in public.”
Special Public Prosecutor Shailendra Babbar, appearing for the Delhi Police, submitted that Bharti used to harass and treat his wife with cruelty, both physically and mentally and had demanded more dowry.
Earlier, AAP leader Ashutosh had said that Bharti was looking to exhaust all legal options. “Modi’s police should know that he has still got the right to go and appeal in the Supreme Court,” he said.
The Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Bharti under Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 498A (cruelty towards wife), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapon), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 313 read with 511 (attempt to cause miscarriage without woman’s consent), 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of IPC.