Daijiworld Media Network - Dharwad (SP)
Dharwad, Jun 11: The second JMFC court at Hubballi granted conditional bail to three Kashmiri engineering students who had raised 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans. These students could secure bail because of the failure of the district police to file charge sheet within the stipulated period of 90 days.
Kashmir-based Basit Sofi (19), Amir Moinuddin Wani (21) and Talib Wani (19), who were accused of shouting slogans in favour of Pakistan, have got bail now. These three students had got free seat in a private engineering college here under the central government quota. A video in which the three students are found raising slogans hailing Pakistan had become viral. On the basis of the video record, Gokul Road station police had arrested them on February 15. Police commissioner had released them on the basis of personal bonds.
After Hindu organizations intensified protest against lenient treatment of the students, the police had arrested the trio again and lodged them in Hindalga prison, Belagavi. The case was transferred to Hubballi rural police station as the video was shot in the hostel located at Kotagondahunasi village. As the investigating officer Jackson D'Souza, failed to file charge sheet within 90 days, the students were granted bail under section 167 of Criminal Procedure/code, it is learnt.
In the past, the accused had approached the district court seeking bail, but it was declined as they were charged with treason. Now, thanks to the lapse on the part of the police, the accused have got bail without effort.
It is said that negligence of Hubballi rural inspector Jackson D'Souza, enabled the students to get bail. Therefore, Belagavi north zone inspector general of police Raghavendra Chauhan, has ordered a probe by Gadag deputy superintendent of police, sources said.
The accused have been instructed not to leave the district, when granting bail. A police team led by inspector Jackson D'Souza, reportedly brought the accused to the city and kept them at an unidentified spot.