Court Rejects Bail Plea of Hardik Patel's Key Aide in Sedition Case

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad sessions court today rejected the bail plea of Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel's key aide Ketan Patel in a sedition case.

Mr Ketan Patel, along with Mr Hardik, are behind the bars in the sedition case.

While rejecting the bail, Additional Sessions Judge NG Dave stated in his order that prima facie a case is established against the applicant.

In his plea, Mr Ketan Patel argued that he has not played any role in the offence as claimed by the Ahmedabad police which registered an FIR against him and five others on October 21.

His lawyers told the court that Mr Ketan Patel has been booked in a false case by government to save its own skin.

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They stated that Mr Ketan Patel has been booked out of revenge by the government.

In his application, Mr Ketan Patel also sought bail on the ground that his wife is suffering from dengue.

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The Ahmedabad crime branch charged Mr Hardik Patel, Mr Ketan Patel and four other Patel quota leaders under IPC sections 121 (waging war against government), 124 (sedition), 153-A (promoting enmity between different communities) and 153-B (assertions prejudicial to national integrity).

Public prosecutor Sudhir Brahmbhatt stated that Mr Ketan Patel was actively involved in inciting people to resort to violence after a mega rally of Patels in Ahmedabad on August 25.

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Brahmbhatt told the court that Mr Ketan Patel gave an "inflammatory" speech in Mehsana after the rally here and subsequently sent several "instigating" messages, which resulted in "anarchy and social disorder" across Gujarat.

The court further noted that the evidences collected by the investigation officer against Mr Ketan Patel points to his prima facie involvement in the offence.

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"There are no ground which would entitle the applicant to the relief that he seeks," stated the court.