Chennai: Court dismisses Vetrivel's bail plea

Chennai: The principal Sessions court on Friday  dismissed the anticipatory bail plea moved by P. Vetrivel, a staunch supporter of TTV Dhinakaran, AIADMK (Amma) deputy general secretary and candidate for RK Nagar bypoll. The disqualified AIADMK MLA approached the court, fearing arrest in connection with two cases registered against him for releasing the video of former chief minister and AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa during her hospitalisation. 

Following a complaint from the RO of the of Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar Assembly by-election for violation of poll code and the provisions of the Representation of People Act, the New Washermenpet police registered a case against P. Vetrivel on Wednesday for releasing the video as it was a violation of Section 126 (1) (b) of the Representation of People Act 1951.      

Special PP opposes Vetrivel’s bail plea

Another case also registered against him on a complaint from the Justice A. Arumughaswamy Commission of Inquiry by the Anna Square police inspector. The police registered a case against Vetrivel for committing offences under Sections 468, 471, 176, 177 (furnishing false information) and 189 (threatening public servant) of the IPC.

The commission, in the complaint, stated that broadcasting such a video without any knowledge of its authenticity or without handing it over to the commission was a violation of the commission of inquiry acts and rules. It had been done on purpose by the individual to disturb the peace, instigate clashes and create confusion among the public ahead of the election.

When the matter came up for hearing on Friday before the principal Sessions court, the counsel for Vetrivel stated that Vetrivel was innocent and he had no ulterior motive for releasing the video. He released the video for the benefit of the people and party cadres.

However, special public prosecutor Gowri Asokan vehemently opposed the plea stating that he had ulterior motive to release the video and to influence the voters in RK Nagar. Concurring with submission Special PP, the principal sessions judge S. Subadevi dismissed plea of Vetrivel.