A Mumbai court has granted bail to former NCP MP Ramesh Kadam, who was involved in a scam involving Sahityaratna Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Development Corporation (SLASDC). Following a court order, Ramesh Kadam, who has been detained since 2015, was released from prison on Sunday.
Following the revelation of the scam, a series of lawsuits were filed against Ramesh Kadam. In March this year, the Bombay High Court granted him bail in one of the most important cases filed against him at Dahisar Police Department in Mumbai.
However, Ramesh Kadam's current bail relates to a case filed by the Medical Director of Arthur Road Prison, where Kadam has been held. According to the official, one incident occurred on February 24, 2016, during a meeting with prison officials. At around 1 p.m., Ramesh Kadam broke into the warden's office at Arthur Road Prison without permission. His agitation stemmed from the absence of a police escort who was supposed to take him to the hospital.
The military medic alleges that Ramesh Kadam cursed him with vulgar language and threatened him by saying: "tu mala baher bhet, tujhi vat laun takta" (Meet me outside, I will ruin it) Friend). He is also said to have threatened to kill the officer. An incident has been filed with the NM Joshi Marg Police Department under Section 353 (Assault or criminal force to prevent an official from performing his or her duties), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to violate peace), and 506 (criminal threats) of the Indian Penalties Code, as well as certain sections of the Maharashtra Health Insurance Persons and Service Facilities Act 2010 (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss of Property).
Attorney Prakash Salsingikar, representing Ramesh Kadam, argued that the incident was motivated by personal hatred of the prison officer and warden at the time. He argued that it was a bogus complaint against Kadam, with all witnesses being interested parties or law enforcement officials. Salsigikar said no independent witnesses were interviewed by investigators.
Salsingikar also pointed out that the police had filed an indictment against Kadam, who was never arrested in this particular case. Deputy Prosecutor Sumesh Punjwani vehemently opposed the bail request, saying there was enough convincing evidence against Ramesh Kadam. He calls Kadam a "re-offender" and is the main defendant in the SLASDC fund embezzlement case.
Punjwani said: “He is an influential person and if he is released on bail he will most likely falsify evidence.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Special Judge Rahul Rokde admitted that Ramesh Kadam was indeed the main defendant in the SLASDC embezzlement case, noting his previous bail in the case.
The judge also pointed out that Kadam was never arrested during the investigation of this crime. Considering the general circumstances, including the nature of the offense and possible penalties, Judge Rokde felt it was appropriate to grant Kadam regular bail.
