VHP leader alleges conspiracy to put him behind bars

A local court in Ahmedabad on Friday cancelled the non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against VHP leader Pravin Togadia and 37 others in a 1996 attempt to murder and rioting case. The NBW was cancelled after Dr. Togadia appeared before the court. Dr. Togadia alleged a “conspiracy to put him behind bars” and held that no power could silence his voice. “Why did I not receive summons when the court has issued five summonses in my name so far,” Dr. Togadia asked.

He said it was a political case and claimed that he was not present when the incident happened and yet he was made an accused.

The two decades-old case pertains to a political meeting at the Sardar Patel Stadium on May 20, 1996, when BJP leaders had gathered to celebrate anointment of Suresh Mehta as Chief Minister after Shankersinh Vaghela unsuccessfully tried to topple the BJP government headed by Keshubhai Patel.

At the event, a BJP leader and close aide of Mr. Vaghela, Atmaram Patel and several other leaders were attacked allegedly by supporters of Mr. Keshubhai Patel, who had resigned to make Mr. Mehta Chief Minister.

Mr. Atmaram Patel, then a Minister, was stripped and attacked allegedly by the former Chief Minister’s loyalists and supporters. After the incident, Mr. Patel had lodged a police complaint for attempt to murder and rioting.