Relief for AAP MLA Dinesh Mohaniya: Delhi court grants him bail in molestation case

A court on Wednesday granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party’s Delhi legislator Dinesh Mohaniya, who was arrested on the charge of “sexual harassment”. The court said that no purpose would be served by keeping him in judicial custody because the investigation was almost complete. [caption id=“attachment_2858030” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Dinesh Mohaniya. Image courtesy: Twitter/@DineshMohaniya[/caption] The court granted him bail on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and a surety of the like amount and directed him not to tamper with prosecution evidence or hamper the investigation in any manner. “Perusal of record shows that the investigation is almost complete in the case. It is a fact that the appellant accused is a member of the Legislative Assembly and has his roots in the society. “Since the investigation is almost complete and the fact that accused is in judicial custody since 25 June, therefore no purpose would be served by keeping him in judicial custody anymore,” the judge said. The court, while granting the relief to the MLA, took into consideration the arguments of his counsel senior advocate HS Phoolka that there was a violation of procedure and law by the police authorities. During the arguments, the Delhi police opposed the bail plea saying he was an influential person and if released, he may tamper with evidence and may even win over witnesses. However, the MLA’s counsel argued that the politican was ready to abide by all conditions imposed by the court and not interfere in any manner with the investigation and prosecution evidence. Earlier, his bail plea was dismissed by the court and he was remanded in judicial custody till 11 July. In his bail plea, Mohaniya said he is a sitting legislator and would not flee from justice. He also said that he has been falsely implicated. Delhi Police has booked him on charges of misbehaviour, manhandling and touching a woman inappropriately. Mohaniya was arrested on Saturday following a complaint filed by a woman who visited his office-cum-residence with others to complain about irregular water supply. The MLA, who is also vice chairman of Delhi Jal Board, was virtually dragged from his seat by a police officer when he was talking to reporters at his office in Khanpur in South Delhi. An FIR was lodged at South Delhi’s Neb Sarai Police Station. With inputs from agencies.