by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

Mysore, Feb 17: "It is a political conspiracy hatched by vested interests to keep me out of a plum portfolio in the State Cabinet and to stop me from getting the District-in-charge Ministership," retorted JD (S) leader D.T. Jayakumar.

Speaking to media persons at the Court premises here yesterday after the Second JMFC Court granted him conditional bail, dragging him into the controversy was a planned move by vested interests,he said.

Jayakumar, who surrendered before the Court last evening, was granted bail at 8.10 pm on a bond of Rs. 10,000 by his follower Shivamallappa.

"In fact, I had totally forgotten about the case pending against me and I thank advocate Venugopal for reminding me of the same through a press conference," Jayakumar sarcastically remarked.

"Venugopal has opened the case instigated by certain political forces, but as a former Minister and Police officer, it is my duty to adhere to the law. I was not absconding. In fact, I had no idea of summons being issued as I never received any of them," Jayakumar claimed.

He questioned why no Police Officer or even Deputy Commissioner did not inform him of non-bailable warrants being issued, though they were accompanying him when he was the Tourism Minister.

When media persons asked him which are the political forces behind all this high drama, Jayakumar said he would disclose it at the opportune time.

DTJ in judicial custody for 2 hours

JD(S) leader D.T. Jayakumar, who surrendered to the City Court last evening, was remanded to judicial custody for nearly two hours.

Jayakumar arrived in the Court premises in a Scorpio jeep at 4.28 pm and waited in the vehicle till the judge took up the case at 4.55 pm.

After hearing arguments and counter arguments, the judge G.G. Badami remanded Jayakumar to judicial custody pending order on bail plea and left the Court Hall at 5.53 pm.

Soon the Police personnel from Laxmipuram sat on either side of Jayakumar.

The judge resumed proceedings at 8 pm. He passed orders granting bail to Jayakumar at 8.08 pm.