Hisar: A Hisar court has rejected the sixth bail application of Sanjay alias Fauji, an accused in the 2014 Satlok Ashram violence case, citing the gravity of allegations, his past conduct and repeated dismissal of earlier pleas.Additional Sessions Judge Dr Gagandeep Mittal dismissed the bail application, observing that no sufficient change in circumstances warranted relief to the accused, who is facing trial under serious charges, including provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), attempt to murder, sedition-related offences and use of explosives. The case pertains to the violent clashes that erupted in Nov 2014 at Satlok Ashram in Barwala when police attempted to execute arrest warrants against self-styled godman Rampal. According to the prosecution, thousands of followers allegedly resisted police action, leading to large-scale violence, including stone-pelting, firing and use of petrol bombs.More than 1,000 people, including several police personnel, were reportedly injured in the incident. The prosecution has alleged that Sanjay alias Fauji played a key and active role in orchestrating the attack and imparting training to members involved in the violence.The court noted that the accused remained absconding for more than seven years before his arrest in July 2022 and was earlier declared a proclaimed offender. It also took into account that his previous five bail applications were either dismissed or withdrawn, including rejections by the sessions court and the Punjab and Haryana high court. During the hearing, the defence argued that there was a change in circumstances, as 49 key witnesses had already been examined and co-accused Rampal had been granted bail. However, the court rejected the parity argument, stating that the role, conduct and circumstances of the accused were distinct from that of the co-accused.The court further observed that mere examination of witnesses or prolonged incarceration cannot be the sole grounds for granting bail in cases involving serious offences.“In view of the gravity of allegations, previous rejections and overall facts, this court is not inclined to grant bail,” the judge held while dismissing the application. The trial in the case is still ongoing. MSID:: 130356672 413 |
