Haridwar Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to Matri Sadan Seer in Kankhal Firing Case
A sessions court in Haridwar on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to Brahmachari Sudhanand, the seer of the Matri Sadan ashram, in the high-profile Kankhal firing case. The court's decision was based on the finding that there was no direct involvement of the seer in the violent incident that occurred during a land verification exercise.
Court Cites Lack of Direct Involvement in Granting Bail
The court meticulously observed that Sudhanand had been present at the disputed site solely at the request of revenue officials who were conducting a verification of the contentious land. It was noted that the seer had previously raised concerns about alleged illegal plotting and land-grabbing activities in the area, highlighting his role as a whistleblower rather than a perpetrator.
Despite strong opposition from the prosecution, which argued that the case was of a serious nature, the court found substantial merit in the defense arguments presented by Sudhanand's legal team. The defense successfully demonstrated that the seer's actions were aligned with public interest, particularly through his engagement in public interest litigation related to the land dispute.
Background of the Kankhal Firing Incident
The case originates from a tense incident that unfolded on January 28 in Panjanhedi village of Kankhal. A dispute erupted between two groups during a land verification exercise, escalating into violence. According to the First Information Report (FIR), complainant Atul Chauhan fired shots from his licensed pistol in what he claimed was self-defense, resulting in injuries to two individuals, including the brother of BJP functionary Amit Chauhan.
Following the incident, Atul Chauhan surrendered before the court, and a formal case was registered against six accused persons, with Brahmachari Sudhanand being one of them. The inclusion of the seer in the FIR prompted the Matri Sadan ashram to launch an indefinite strike in protest against the legal action taken against their spiritual leader.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Arguments
Sudhanand's counsel, Arun Bhadhoria, revealed that the anticipatory bail plea was formally moved on January 30, shortly after the FIR was lodged. In response, the court directed the Kankhal police station to submit a detailed report on the matter. The defense emphasized that Sudhanand, who is also a practicing advocate, has been actively involved in public interest litigation aimed at resolving the land dispute, thereby positioning his presence at the site as part of his legal and civic duties.
The court's acceptance of these arguments underscores the judicial recognition of Sudhanand's efforts to address land-related issues through lawful means. This ruling not only provides temporary relief to the seer but also sets a precedent for how courts may evaluate the involvement of individuals in complex disputes where their actions are driven by public interest rather than criminal intent.
The decision has sparked discussions on the interplay between land disputes, legal advocacy, and community leadership in regions like Haridwar, where such conflicts are not uncommon. As the case continues to unfold, further legal developments are anticipated, with both the prosecution and defense preparing for the next phases of the judicial process.
