The Hindu : National : Raj Thackeray held, gets bail

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Tuesday, Jun 30, 2009
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National

Raj Thackeray held, gets bail

Staff Reporter

Kalyan (Thane district): Amidst a ruckus created by party supporters, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray was arrested and released on bail on Monday.

He surrendered before a railway court here as per the directions of the Bombay High Court, which set aside his interim bail in a case pertaining to the attack on north Indian applicants appearing for the Railway Recruitment Board entrance examination.

Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar told the media that Mr. Thackeray was enlarged on bail on a personal bond of Rs.1 lakh. The court also slapped a gag order forbidding him from making inflammatory speeches.

Mr. Misar said the prosecution argued for implementation of “harsh terms” on Mr. Thackeray. “He is not supposed to speak, write or act in a manner that can disturb communal peace and harmony,” he said.

The prosecution did not press for police custody as the investigation in the case is over. The case charge sheet is ready and awaiting government sanction. It includes charges under Indian Penal Code Section 153 (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, language etc). While the State challenged the interim bail, the prosecution will not be contending this bail, Mr. Misar said.

The MNS leader arrived at the Kalyan court a little after 11 a.m.

He was remanded to judicial custody till July 13. This was merely a technical procedure, to allow for completion of formalities after the surrender. He was then taken to the Kalyan police station and produced before the court again at 1 p.m. for the bail hearing.

Hundreds of MNS supporters gathered outside the bustling Kalyan railway station on Monday morning, nearly choking the thoroughfare. They burst firecrackers when the news of the bail reached the streets.

The MNS leader waved out to the crowds from his car, sending a wave of excitement through the packed court premises.

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