Giriraj gets bail in poll code violation case

Begusarai: An MP-MLA court on Monday granted bail to Union minister Giriraj Singh in a model code of conduct violation case linked to the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The case was lodged against Singh over his alleged hate speech at an electoral meeting held on the G D College premises after filing his nomination papers on April 6, 2019.

Union home minister Amit Shah had also addressed the gathering, but Singh’s remarks triggered controversy. He was accused of making a communally sensitive statement, saying that those who cannot say “Vande Mataram” or respect the motherland would never be forgiven by the nation.

Taking cognizance of the speech, then Begusarai DM Rahul Kumar had directed the local circle officer, Manish Kumar, to register a case at Begusarai town police station.

Singh’s counsel, Amrendra Kumar Amar, said the minister appeared before the court as directed. “The court granted him bail as the prosecution failed to produce sufficient evidence, including voice recordings and the seizure list,” he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Singh claimed he had been falsely implicated.