Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, Jan 29: The SC-ST Special Court in Jaipur has framed charges against former Rajasthan MLA Girraj Singh Malinga under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, including attempt to murder — an offence that can attract life imprisonment upon conviction.
Special Judge Vidyanand Shukla framed the charges against Malinga and seven other accused in the case.
The matter pertains to an incident dated March 28, 2022, when Malinga was serving as the MLA from Bari assembly constituency in Dholpur district. As per the prosecution, he allegedly instigated and led an assault on Assistant Engineer (AEN) Harshadapati and Junior Engineer (JEN) Nitin Gulati at the Bari Discom office.
Police registered an FIR on March 29, 2022, under sections related to assault, obstruction in discharge of official duty, and provisions of the SC-ST Act. Following directions from the Rajasthan High Court, the trial was later transferred from Dholpur to Jaipur.
The Jaipur court has now framed charges against Malinga along with co-accused Rakesh, Bhola, Sachin, Guman, Pramod and Sameer under the relevant IPC sections and provisions of the SC-ST Act.
Meanwhile, Malinga’s bail history has remained controversial. He was initially granted bail by the High Court on May 17, 2022, citing the COVID-19 pandemic. However, after his release, he reportedly took out a public procession with supporters, which the court viewed as misuse of bail. The High Court subsequently cancelled his bail on July 5, 2024, directing him to surrender within 30 days.
Later, acting on Supreme Court directions, Malinga surrendered before the SC-ST court in Dholpur on November 20. He subsequently secured bail from the Supreme Court and is currently out on bail as the trial proceeds.
Officials said the framing of charges marks a key development in the long-pending case and clears the way for the trial to formally begin.