No proof, no bail, Tehelka reporter rots in jail

IN Media Freedom | 12/08/2002

other accused (which they allege is the copy of the tape given to me

other accused (which they allege is the copy of the tape given to me?) Why didn¿t the CBI release it to the public or produce it in court? They raided my residence and my office and recovered nothing related tot the present case. And still they don¿t want me to be released on bail and be in a healthy state of mind and body to defend myself.

"Jail is an exception, bail is a rule," said the chairman of the Bar Association of the Supreme Court recently. Am I a habitual offender? Am I a hardened criminal? Do I have a criminal past? I am being falsely implicated in a case. I wasn¿t even called to a police station in my life before this case. Why shouldn¿t I get bail when I fulfil all conditions? Because the CBI prosecutor seeks adjournments deliberately when my bail hearing comes up.

There has been a conspiracy to frame Tehelka, right from the stage that the Saharanpur police registered a case and passed it on the CBI. The UP government issued a notification within 24 hours and so did the MHA! They broke all records with the speed with which the case was transferred to the CBI.

My wife is going through hell. She has to take care of our 4 month old kid, attend office and speak to the lawyers about my release, whereas I only get the next date!

Am I such a danger to society and my country that I can¿t even get bail?

Kumar Badal

Posted August 12, 2002

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No proof no bail Tehelka reporter rots in jail

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