NEW DELHI: Former Delhi law minister Somnath Bharti faces imminent arrest with a city court today dismissing his anticipatory bail plea and another issuing Non -Bailable Warrant (NBW) against him in a domestic violence and attempt to murder case filed by his wife.
Bharti’s plea for anticipatory bail was rejected by Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sanjay Garg observing that it was the second complaint lodged against the MLA by his wife Lipika Mitra, who had alleged that he did not mend his conduct despite assurance before the Crime Against Women Cell.
Later in the day, the Delhi Police moved an application seeking issuance of NBW against Bharti before Metropolitan Magistrate Manika, which was allowed.
The ASJ, while rejecting his anticipatory bail, said “it is pertinent to observe that this is the second complaint lodged by the complainant (Lipika). The previous complaint dated October 17, 2011 was not pursued by her on the assurance given by the applicant (Bharti) before the CAW cell.
“It is alleged that the applicant did not mend his conduct and continued to subject the complainant to cruelty. Considering the totality of the facts and circumstances, the applicant is not entitled to grant of anticipatory bail. The application is accordingly dismissed.”
After dismissal of the anticipatory bail plea, the MLA’s counsel Vijay Aggarwal said he will approach Delhi High Court for the relief to his client.
“We will move the high court shortly,” he said.
The Magistrate later issued the arrest warrant after the police moved an application contending that Bharti was not cooperating in the probe and had failed to appear for interrogation despite three summons issued to him.
The ASJ, while rejecting anticipatory bail to Bharti, accepted submissions of Special Public Prosecutor Shailendra Babbar that allegations against the lawmaker were serious and there was a possibility of his tampering with evidence.
The court rejected Bharti’s contention that attempt to murder charge was not made out, while saying the FIR had specific allegations of cruelty against him. (AGENCIES)
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