Bindal, Sukhram Chaudhary get interim bail in attempt to murder case; Girl denies abduction claim
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source internet
Shimla/Nahan, June 17,
Himachal Pradesh High Court has granted interim bail to BJP state president Dr. Rajiv Bindal and former minister and sitting Paonta Sahib MLA Chaudhary Sukhram in a case registered under serious charges including attempt to murder.
The court of Justice Virender Singh passed the order on Tuesday granting interim relief to both leaders till June 24, when the next hearing will take place.
The case stems from a protest held last week in Majra area of Paonta Sahib, after a local girl went missing with a boy from another community.
The incident was allegedly given a communal colour, with slogans and allegations linking it to ‘love jihad’. The BJP leaders had joined the protest seeking the girl’s recovery.
During the protest, a clash erupted leading to alleged stone pelting and police lathi-charge. Subsequently, police booked around 50 individuals, including Bindal and Sukhram Chaudhary, under various sections including attempt to murder. They were also charged for violating prohibitory orders under Section 163 imposed in parts of Majra and nearby villages.
However, the situation took a turn after the girl was recovered by police from Ambala and produced before the court. Superintendent of Police (Sirmaur) NS Negi confirmed that the girl, in her court statement, said she went with the boy—her friend—on her own will and was neither kidnapped nor forced into marriage. The boy reportedly belongs to the Muslim community.
The SP further confirmed that the girl was handed over to her family following the court’s directions. Meanwhile, four people accused of attacking policemen have been sent to judicial custody.
Interestingly, the protest reportedly took place in Senwala Wala village, where Section 163 was not enforced. DSP Paonta Manvendra Thakur said a report will be sought from the local revenue officer (Patwari) to verify the protest location and legality, and appropriate action would follow based on the findings.
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