Daijiworld Media Network - Karwar (SP)

Karwar, Nov 18: On Monday November 17, state minister Anand Asnotikar, against whom a non-bailable arrest warrant had been issued in a case pertaining to filing of wrong information in the affidavit submitted while filing nomination for assembly election, surrendered on Monday November 17, in the court of the city chief judicial magistrate (CJM) B T Chanal. As a result, the CJM court withdrew the non-bailable arrest warrant issued by it against him and granted bail on the condition of furnishing a bond for Rs 50,000 and personal surety.

The hearing has now been adjourned to November 28. The court had earlier issued summons against the minister to appear before it on November 14. The minister failed to appear in person at the court on that day, but had deputed a lawyer to request the court to permit hearing to precede in-absentia because of the work pressure. The court had dismissed the bail application filed through the advocate on that day and had issued non-bailable arrest warrant against Asnotikar.

Asnotikar came to the court at about 11 am on Monday and appeared before the magistrate at 1.10. He stood in the enclosure meant for the accused and apologized for his absence at the previous hearing. On behalf of the minister, advocate M B Nargund submitted the request for bail.