Key Points:
- Arrest and Court Appearance: Jan Suraj Party leader Prashant Kishor was arrested on January 6 for participating in a peaceful protest.
- Bail Controversy: Kishor rejected initial bail conditions, leading to a dramatic courtroom standoff.
- Court’s Surprise: The court questioned the rationale behind his arrest and granted bail unconditionally.
- Sympathy Strategy?: Kishor’s theatrics are speculated to be a ploy to gain public sympathy ahead of elections.
Patna: A high-voltage drama unfolded at Patna’s District Court following the arrest of Jan Suraj Party leader Prashant Kishor during a peaceful protest at Gandhi Maidan. The episode, marked by courtroom theatrics and contradictory narratives, has now been brought to light, revealing a calculated move to sway public opinion.
Arrest and Drama in Court
Patna police arrested Kishor under bailable sections of the Indian Penal Code, presenting him in court with an arrest memo, medical report, and case diary. His legal team, led by Shivanand Giri and senior advocate Y.V. Giri, argued that the charges were baseless and politically motivated.
Surprisingly, even the police lawyer did not oppose the bail plea. However, a recommendation for imposing certain conditions was made, citing the possibility of Kishor engaging in similar activities.
Court’s Strong Remarks
The magistrate expressed astonishment over the circumstances of the arrest. In a strongly worded statement, the court noted:
“The accused has been produced in court for bailable offenses. It is surprising that the police failed to provide sufficient reasoning for producing him under custody. Accused Prashant Kishor is released on a personal bond of Rs 25,000.”
The court further instructed Patna’s SSP to investigate the matter and take appropriate action, raising serious questions about the police’s conduct.
False Narratives and Public Drama
Despite the straightforward court order, Kishor and his supporters staged an elaborate drama, claiming that the bail was conditional and refusing it initially. The leader even declared his intention to go to Beur Jail, adding to the confusion.
Court records reveal that no conditions were imposed on Kishor’s bail, and there was no directive for him to refrain from future protests. This fabricated narrative is being seen as an attempt to garner sympathy from Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) candidates and their families.
Political Calculations?
Analysts believe the drama may be part of a broader strategy to strengthen Kishor’s political standing ahead of the Bihar elections. By portraying himself as a victim of government oppression, Kishor could be trying to align with the grievances of unemployed youth and aggrieved citizens, positioning himself as their champion.
Prashant Kishor’s courtroom theatrics have cast a spotlight on the intersection of law, politics, and public sentiment. As the Bihar elections approach, this incident could either bolster his image as a resilient leader or expose the hollowness of political posturing. The ball is now in the court of public opinion.
