Special Correspondent
Pune :
The Pune Sessions Court will deliver its verdict tomorrow on the bail pleas of seven individuals accused in the defamation case involving Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Two of the accused have applied for anticipatory bail, while five others have sought regular bail.
The two seeking anticipatory bail are Bhumish Dinanath Save (38, resident of Nalasopara) and Abhijit Kiran Phadnis (44, resident of Vasai). Meanwhile, regular bail applications have been filed by Nikhil Jeevan Sankpal (36, Kothrud), Datta Tukaram Chaudhary (37, Dharashiv), Baliram Jaywant Pandit alias Amit Pandit (42, Bhandup), Ashish Digambar Wankhede (35, Amravati), and Shailesh Nandkishore Verma (47, Yavatmal). These individuals were arrested for allegedly posting objectionable content about Amruta Fadnavis on social media.
The case was filed based on a complaint by Advocate Basavaraj Mallikarjun Yadawad (47, resident of Shaniwar Peth, Pune). In response, the Sessions Court issued a notice to Amruta Fadnavis requesting her presence during the hearing to present her side.
Advocate S.K. Jain represented Amruta Fadnavis in court, while Government Prosecutor Rajesh Kawedia strongly opposed the bail applications. He argued that the statements made by the accused were inflammatory and motivated by political intentions, targeting Amruta Fadnavis, who is known for her social work.
Kawedia further pointed out that the accused acted in coordination through a specific social media group, and that investigations are ongoing to determine the mastermind behind the incident. He added that crucial digital evidence, including mobile phones and other electronic devices used in the alleged crime, is yet to be seized. For these reasons, he urged the court to reject the bail applications.
The final verdict is expected to be announced tomorrow in what has become a high-profile case of digital defamation involving the state’s First Lady.
