Varun Gandhi gets anticipatory bail in communal speech case

New Delhi, Mar. 20 (ANI): The Delhi High Court has granted anticipatory bail to BJP MP Varun Gandhi in an alleged case of making inflammatory and communal speeches during his campaign in Pilibhit constituency.

The bail will stop police from arresting Gandhi till March 27.

Varun has got bail on a personal bond of 50,000 rupees.

Earlier on Friday morning, Gandhi's lawyers visited the Election Commission's office to submit his response to the alleged communal statements.

According to sources, Gandhi maintained that the CD has been doctored.

Earlier, Election Commission officials from Pilibhit visited former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi"s residence here to enquire about the hate speech delivered by son Varun Gandhi.

A K Mishra, a Tehsildar rank officer of the UP Government, who led a two-member team, said: "We have come here in connection with the CD case. We have handed over a copy of the CD."

On Thursday, Gandhi moved the Allahabad High Court challenging the criminal case lodged against him on the directives of the Election Commission for his alleged anti-Muslims remarks.

Gandhi had been recorded as saying, "If anyone raises a finger towards Hindus or if someone thinks that Hindus are weak and leaderless, if someone thinks that these leaders lick our boots for votes, if anyone raises a finger towards Hindus, then I swear on Gita that I will cut that hand."

The Election Commission issued a notice to Gandhi, charging him of violating the Model Code of Conduct for elections by making communal remarks.

Following the Election Commission notice the Pilibhit police filed a FIR under Sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion) and 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act. (ANI)