A district court in Varanasi has provided significant relief to former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Amitabh Thakur, granting him bail in a case filed at the city's Chowk police station. The order for his release came on Friday from the court of District Judge Sanjeev Shukla.
Court's Bail Order and Conditions
The court approved Thakur's bail application, directing his release from jail upon furnishing a personal bond and two sureties of Rs 50,000 each. This decision followed a hearing where arguments from both the defence and prosecution were presented.
Arguments Presented in Court
During the proceedings, defence counsel Anuj Yadav put forth a strong argument, alleging that the case was a product of political vendetta. He claimed the former officer was targeted under pressure from the government administration. Yadav stated that Thakur's dismissal from service was a direct result of him raising his voice against the state government's wrong policies and corruption.
In opposition, the counsel for the prosecution and the complainant strongly contested the bail plea. Their primary argument hinged on Thakur's alleged history, claiming he has a history sheet of 10 cases filed against him. After carefully considering the arguments from both sides, the court ultimately decided in favour of granting bail.
Origins of the Case
The case was originally registered on December 9 by Ambrish Singh Bhola. Bhola, a resident of Badi Piyari, is identified as a leader of the Hindu Yuva Vahini and an honorary member of the BDA. The complaint stemmed from a video that Amitabh Thakur posted on his social media account on November 30.
The core allegation was that Thakur's video contained false claims about Bhola's involvement in criminal cases. Specifically, the complaint mentioned that Thakur, without providing any evidence, linked Bhola to the famous cough syrup case. Bhola's counsel argued that these were baseless allegations that spread misleading and false news on social media, causing serious damage to his client's social reputation.
This legal development marks a significant turn in a case that has highlighted tensions between a former senior police official and political figures. The bail grant allows Thakur temporary freedom as the legal process continues, while the allegations of political motivation add a complex layer to the proceedings. The case underscores the ongoing challenges at the intersection of law, administration, and public discourse in the region.
