Freelancer for various political parties, says HC as it grants bail to Excise Police case accused

Rayat had contended that he was working as a freelancer and “on behalf of political parties” such as BJP, Congress and Trinamool Congress, among others.

While granting Rayat bail, the court of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna said, “Looking at his nature of work of a freelancer for various political parties, which he has been doing in the past, merely because he spent certain amount the source of which is not certain, for the campaigning events in the election of Goa, it cannot be said that there is a strong case against the petitioner (Rayat).”

“Further, considering the nature of his business, it also cannot be said that there is likelihood of his committing the same offence if he is admitted to bail,” the court added.

Arguing for bail, Rayat had submitted that he was named as an accused in the case only in the sixth supplementary prosecution complaint filed by the ED. Rayat was arrested on April 12 and has been in judicial custody since April 18.

The court went on to record, “In so far as the role of the petitioner (Rayat) in the present case is concerned, he stands on a better footing that the other co-accused, who have been recently granted bail.”