CM Kejriwal flays Modi over AAP legislator’s arrest

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the arrest of AAP legislator Surinder Singh, who got bail within 24 hours. “Modi government gets Commando Surinder arrested. In less than 24 hours, he gets bail. What is Modiji trying to achieve?” tweeted Kejriwal, referring to the former member of the National Security Guard who has been elected to the Delhi assembly. 

Surinder Singh was arrested on Friday evening for allegedly beating and manhandling a worker of New Delhi Municipal Council. A court gave him bail on Saturday. The legislator has denied the charges hurled at him. 

The court turned down police's plea for judicial custody of the accused and granted them bail observing that none of the offences for which they have been booked were punishable with jail term for more than seven years and there was no chance of their absconding or fleeing from justice.

“Further, the statements of the witnesses under section 164 CrPC have already been recorded. Also, the accused are not required for the purpose of custodial interrogation or for the purpose of effecting any recovery.

“Furthermore, it has been averred that this case is actuated by political vendetta. Thus, no prejudice is likely to be caused to the prosecution in case the accused persons are admitted to bail,” the court said.

During the hearing, special public prosecutor Anupam S Sharma said the accused were trying to fabricate evidence and threats have also been extended to victim Mukesh. Senior advocate Ramesh Gupta, appearing for Surender, said, "There is a cold war between the AAP and the party which is in power (in Centre).”