Bail plea of key Hardik aide rejected in sedition case

An Ahmedabad sessions court on Wednesday rejected the bail plea of Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel’s key aide Ketan Patel in a sedition case.

Ketan, along with Hardik, is behind the bars in the case. While rejecting the bail plea, additional sessions judge N G Dave stated in his order that prima facie a case is established against the applicant.

In his plea, Ketan argued that he has not played any role in the offence as claimed by the Ahmedabad police which registered a First Information Report against him and five others on October 21.

His lawyers told the court that Ketan has been booked in a false case by the government to save its own skin. They stated that Ketan has been booked out of revenge by the government.

In his application, Ketan also sought bail on the ground that his wife is suffering from dengue.

The Ahmedabad crime branch charged Hardik, Ketan and four other Patel quota stir leaders under Indian Penal Code Sections 121 (waging war against the government), 124 (sedition), 153-A (promoting enmity between different communities) and 153-B (assertions prejudicial to national integrity).

Public prosecutor Sudhir Brahmbhatt stated that Ketan was actively involved in inciting people to resort to violence after a mega rally of Patels in Ahmedabad on August 25.

Brahmbhatt told the court that Ketan gave an 'inflammatory' speech in Mehsana after the rally in Ahmedabad and subsequently sent several 'instigating' messages, which resulted in 'anarchy and social disorder' across Gujarat.

The court further noted that the evidences collected by the investigation officer against Ketan points to his prima facie involvement in the offence.

"There are no ground which would entitle the applicant to the relief that he seeks," stated the court.