Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA, Prakash Jarwal, from Deoli was granted bail by the Delhi High Court. Since May 9th, Prakash Jarwal has been in custody. Currently lodged at Tihar jail. To elaborate, on April 18th, Dr.Rajendra Singh, 52, committed suicide in Durga Vihar in south Delhi. In his suicide note, he held Prakash Jarwal responsible for his death. Anil Jarwal, Prakash Jarwal’s brother, has already been granted an anticipatory bail by the trial court.
Background of the Case
Dr.Rajendra Singh involved in business with the Delhi Jal Board stated in his suicide note that Prakash and his brothers used to extort money from him every month; which drove him to commit suicide. However, the Magistrate in Saket court issued a Non Bailable Warrant against Jarwal and other accused persons. In the last hearing, Rouse Avenue Court allowed MLA Prakash Jarwal and others to withdraw their plea for anticipatory bail in the suicide case of a Delhi doctor.
Arguments before the Court
Senior Advocate Rebecca M John, appeared for Prakash Jarwal. She submitted the suicide note is forged. Adding, that the note is in two different hand-writings with different pens. The name of the Petitioner was written with a different pen. Moreover, the second portion of the suicide note does not bear the signature of the deceased. Furthermore, she submitted that the Delhi Jal Board separated 9 water tankers running in the name of the deceased and his family members; as caught red-handed in the black marketing of the water tankers in a sting operation. However, the State countering the arguments asserted that all water tankers running in the constituency of MLA Prakash Jarwal pay extortion money to MLA Prakash Jarwal.
Decision of the Court
The Court took note of the fact that none registered a complaint for extortion or harassment against the petitioner; or his stated associates to any authority. Also, the Single Bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait directed the accused to furnish a personal bond of โน25,000 along with a surety of the amount. The High Court observed that Jarval is no more required for further investigation and trial will take substantial time.
