Pune: The Supreme Court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Ravindra Barhate, a right to information (RTI) activist absconding in connection with several extortion cases filed in Pune city. With the apex court rejecting his bail, Barhate is expected to be arrested by the Pune police soon.
Barhate was booked along with ex-journalist Devendra Jain, dismissed cop Shailesh Jagtap, a woman who alleged sexual assault by Karnataki and a local goon in a case registered at Kothrud police station. Kothrud police had arrested all of them except Barhate. All other accused are presently out on bail. The suspects involved in this case were also allegedly connected to several other extortion and land grabbing cases lodged at different police stations in the city. Barhate, however, was absconding since the first case was registered.
Barhate, had allegedly demanded Rs 2 crore along with land plot in Bhawani peth from a Pune based builder Sudhir Karnataki. Soon after the complaint was registered Barhate had filed a bail plea in the District and Sessions court which was rejected. Barhate later approached the Bombay High Court which also rejected his bail. Later, the bail plea was filed in Supreme court. The Pune Police with the help of government lawyer argued before the apex court to reject the plea. The Supreme Court, on Wednesday during the hearing, heard both the sides and rejected the anticipatory bail application of Barhate.
After fleeing from Pune city, Barhate reportedly took shelter in Solapur with the help of his friends. A vehicle theft case and another case has been filed against him in Nigdi.