The sessions court in Mehsana district on Monday rejected Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel’s bail plea in a case of rioting and assault registered against him last year.
Additional sessions judge KM Dave upheld the government’s argument that Hardik may not cooperate with the investigation if released on bail and may tamper with the evidence. The prosecution contended that Hardik was facing separate sedition cases at Ahmedabad and Surat, and he might try to influence the witnesses if released.
Visnagar police took Hardik’s custody on January 11 from Lajpore jail in Surat. Hardik was lodged in Lajpore jail for the last four months.
Hardik Patel is one of the accused in an FIR registered at Visnagar on July 23 when a rally of the Patel community, seeking reservation turned violent, resulting in damage to property and assault on some media persons.