Rediff On The NeT: Cops get another day's stay on Gawli's release

Cops get another day's stay on Gawli's release

The Bombay high court on Monday stayed the bail application of underworld don-turned politician Arun Gawli till Tuesday after the sessions court had rejected an appeal made by the police to keep him in jail.

Gawli was arrested last Wednesday in an assault and battery charge on a journalist. He was granted bail by Metropolitan Magistrate Geeta Agarwal on Saturday of Rs 10,000, but the police managed to get a stay order for one day from Sessions Judge A S Agiyar.

Judge Agiyar vacated his order on Monday and Gawli could have walked out free. But the police rushed to the high court, where Justice A S Venkatchalamurthy stamped another stay for one day.

Gawli also appealed for an anticipatory bail application against his arrest in connection with the case relating to claim made by a old resident of Dagdi chawl that he forcibly evicted her. Its hearing will come up in the sessions court on Tuesday.

While arguing the police case Senior Public Prosecutor A G Paranjpe pressed for further police custody of Gawli. He submitted that the bail order granted in the metropolitan court was illegal as it had not taken into consideration the background of the attack on the lady journalist which was tantamount to an attack on democracy.

Since the crime was committed in Gawli's own locality and at his instance, Paranjpe asked for the application of Section 120 B of the Indian Penal Code, terming Gawli as the chief conspirator in an attempt to murder.

Tell us what you think of this report