BJP rally slogan debacle: All accused persons granted bail

Kolkata: All the seven accused persons arrested in connection with shouting an inciting slogan during the rally of Amit Shah, have been granted bail.

According to sources, during argument the defense counsel had appealed for bail on the ground that the statement was not meant for any religion. Also, the slogan did not hurt any religion.

Though the public prosecutor opposed and appealed for further judicial custody remand, the concerned magistrate granted bail as there was no further development in the investigation. However, the accused persons have been instructed to cooperate with the investigation.

The BJP workers were booked on charges of 153A IPC (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc. and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 505 IPC (statements conducing to public mischief), 506 IPC (punishment for criminal intimidation) and 34 IPC (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).

On March 1, three BJP workers were arrested and

produced at the court on

March 2. One of the three accused BJP workers, identified as Dhruba Basu, a 71-year-old man, was granted bail on the same day due to his age and ailments.

Later, four more persons were arrested who were granted bail following completion of police remand.