M A I N   N E W S

Togadia charged with sedition
Judicial remand extended till April 30

Ajmer, April 16
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) General Secretary Pravin Togadia’s bail application was today rejected by a city court, which charged him with waging a war against the state and extended his judicial remand till April 30.

The VHP leader, who is in jail since Sunday night on charges of violating prohibitory orders and the Arms Act, was produced in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Indu Pareek at around 7.30 am.

Government counsel R. S. Bajwa detailed the charges against him. He also produced fresh charges under Sections 121 (A), 153 (B), 295 (A), 505 and 117 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Mr Togadia.

These charges relate to sedition, inciting passions, violation of government orders, and vitiating communal peace with inflammatory speeches.

After hearing the two sides for nearly 75 minutes, the Chief Judicial Magistrate took another hour in writing her order. Meanwhile, Mr Togadia was sent back to the jail.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate extended the judicial remand of Dr Togadia till April 30. In her order, she said under the circumstances, and considering the seriousness of the charges, it would not be correct to grant bail to the VHP leader. Moreover dealing with Section 121 (A) of the IPC was outside the purview of the court, she added.

The case should thus be referred to the District and Sessions court, she said, rejecting the bail plea, moved on Monday. UNI