The stage is set for the hearing of the anticipatory bail application filed by Leader of the Opposition Babu Kavlekar before South Goa Sessions Court on Monday in the disproportionate assets case as well as the gambling case.
MARGAO
It could not be immediately ascertained whether the State would go all out to oppose Babu's bail plea for his custodial interrogation in the criminal case. It could also not be gathered whether the Goa police want the Leader of the Opposition in the Prevention of Corruption Act or under the Goa Gambling Act and the prosecution is expected to open its cards in the court room only on Monday.
Till late Sunday evening, there was no word that the government will engage a special public prosecutor to represent the state in the case or leave the regular public prosecutors to appear in the court before Sessions Judge B P Deshpande on Monday.
The Leader of the Opposition had knocked the doors of the South Goa Sessions Court on Friday fearing arrest after he was summoned by the Crime Branch in respect of investigations in the matka gambling case.
While the Court was quick to grant him interim bail, with directions to the police not to arrest Babu till Monday, when the bail plea will come up for hearing, the court has now asked the police why the prayer for anticipatory bail should not be confirmed.
In his submission before the Sessions Court, Babu had said that he has reason to believe that he is being accused in the offense under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Goa Public gambling Act to silence him and see that largest Congress party in Goa which is now having 16 seats, does not form the government under his leadership.
He had also claimed that present mater is only a matter of political revenge against the leader of the Opposition, drawing attention of the court that though the case was registered in 2015, he was issued a notice to remain present in accusations under the prevention of Corruption Act and the Goa Public Gambling Act. He told the court that he is apprehending arrest at the hands of the Crime Branch since they also require him under Section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
He had repeatedly stated in his anticipatory bail application that attempts are being made to silence him and the Congress party and to make him submissive to the ruling party with a view to restrain him from protecting his constitutional duty as an elected member of the Congress party.
