Himachal political destabilization case: High Court extends bail, Orders phone surrender
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source internet
Shimla, July 17
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has extended the interim anticipatory bail for Rakesh Sharma, Ashish Sharma, and Tarun Bhandari until August 2. These individuals are allegedly involved in a prominent case related to allegations of political destabilization in the state.
Justice Sandeep Sharma, presiding over the case, ordered the accused to surrender their mobile phones to the police within ten days to aid the investigation. During the hearing, DSP City Shimla presented the case records, emphasizing the accused’s non-compliance with the police’s request for their mobile phones, which are critical to the probe.
The court has given the accused a ten-day deadline to comply with this directive. The case, filed at Boileauganj Police Station in Shimla, involves Rakesh Sharma, the father of former MLA Chaitanya Sharma from Gagret, Ashish Sharma, a former independent MLA from Hamirpur, and Tarun Bhandari, a former publicity advisor to the Haryana Chief Minister. They face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 420 (cheating), Sections 171 A and 171 C (offenses related to elections), and Section 120 B (criminal conspiracy), along with Sections 7 and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The FIR alleges that Rakesh and Ashish Sharma manipulated Rajya Sabha elections through unethical means such as vote-buying, bribery, and illicit financial transactions. They are accused of conspiring to destabilize the government. Tarun Bhandari, linked to the BJP in Haryana, is accused of fostering political instability in Himachal Pradesh at the behest of the Haryana BJP government, including promoting cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections and encouraging defections from other parties to the BJP.
The complainants have called for a detailed investigation into the bank accounts of the accused to uncover any financial irregularities. The next hearing is set for August 2, where more information is expected, and the court will determine the next steps in this politically sensitive case.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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