Purohit granted 14-day Judicial Custody

Pune, Nov 21 (UNI) Malegaon blast accused Lt Col Prasad Purohit was remanded in 14-day judicial custody by a local court today in connection with a forgery case on obtaining a revolver licence for a Pune-based resident, Shrish Date by submitting a fake document.

Interestingly, Pune Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) sought seven-day police custody of Purohit and defense lawyer agreed to the same. He was produced before the local court judge First class judicial magistrate G G Itkalkar here this afternoon.

Defense Lawyer Shirkant Shivde told the court that the ATS wanted to continue the police custody so that they can build pressure on Purohit. however, he said that there was no complaint of any torture by the city ATS on Purohit during his two-day stay here. ''I have no problem with the police custody for my client'' Mr Shivde told the court.

While arguing, Mr Shivde said the case has taken political overtones and in such cases truth in the first casuality.

However, after hearing arguments from both the sides, the Judge rejected the police custody and send Purohit to Magistrate Custody for 14 days following which he will be taken to the Nashik road jail.

Later talking to reporters, Mr Shivde said his client has given a written complaint that he was tortured during his custody under the Nashik ATS. Purohit had also received encounter threats from the Haryana Police and the CBI, he added.

Purohit has requested the court that he should get medicine and reading material from his home during his stay in Nashik Jail, to which the court granted permission and directed the same to Nashik Jail authorities.

UNI SP SR SKB AKJ RN1940