HC refuses anticipatory bail to Jaitapur activist

Mumbai, Jan 12 (PTI) The Bombay High Court today rejectedanticipatory bail plea of an activist who is opposing Jaitapurnuclear power project, in connection with a criminal caseagainst him for attempt to murder, assaulting police officialsand inciting mob violence.

Pravin Gavankar, president of Janhit Seva Samiti, whichis resisting the upcoming Jaitapur plant in Ratnagiridistrict, has been charged with assaulting police officials atJaitapur police station on December 18 last year.

According to the police, a mob of over 250 villagers hadgathered at the police station protesting the death of oneIrfan Kazi, who was hit by a police jeep.

Gavankar allegedly incited the mob to attack policemen,and pelt stones. A police constable was seriously injured inthe attack.

But his anticipatory bail petition claimed that he hadbeen framed up by the police who were acting at the instanceof certain politicians, who were annoyed by Gavankar''sopposition to the plant.

"Gavankar''s and his organisation''s opposition to thenuclear power plant has always been peaceful," his lawyerNitin Pradhan argued.

Justice R C Chavan however, rejected the bail pleaafter observing that prima facie case had been made againstGavankar.