Why Has a Jaipur Court Charged Former MLA Girraj Singh Malinga?
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Jaipur, Jan 29 (NationPress) The SC-ST Special Court in Jaipur has initiated formal charges against former MLA Girraj Singh Malinga under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the SC-ST Act, including a serious charge of attempt to murder, which could lead to a life sentence if he is found guilty. The charges were brought forth by Special Judge Vidyanand Shukla against Malinga and seven other co-defendants in this case.
The incident in question dates back to March 28, 2022, when Malinga held the position of MLA representing the Bari assembly constituency in the Dholpur district.
According to the prosecution, Malinga is accused of inciting and orchestrating an attack on Assistant Engineer (AEN) Harshadapati and Junior Engineer (JEN) Nitin Gulati at the Bari Discom office.
The police lodged an FIR on March 29, 2022, citing various charges related to assault, hindrance of official duties, and provisions of the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Following orders from the Rajasthan High Court, the trial was moved from Dholpur to Jaipur.
Now, the Jaipur court has formally charged Malinga along with co-accused Rakesh, Bhola, Sachin, Guman, Pramod, and Sameer under the relevant sections of the IPC and the SC-ST Act.
Malinga's bail history has sparked controversy. Initially, he was granted bail by the High Court on May 17, 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, after his release, he reportedly led a public rally with his supporters. This was perceived as a violation of bail conditions, leading the High Court to revoke his bail on July 5, 2024, ordering him to surrender within 30 days.
Eventually, acting on the Supreme Court's directives, Malinga surrendered to the SC-ST court in Dholpur on November 20. Subsequently, he was granted bail by the Supreme Court and is currently on bail as the trial progresses.
The formal framing of charges signifies a crucial advancement in this protracted case, paving the way for the trial to commence, noted officials.