Somnath Bharti to two-day police custody

Delhi police informed a courtroom right here on Tuesday that it will attempt to determine the individuals who harboured former regulation minister Somnath Bharti, arrested in a home violence case registered by his spouse, whereas he was absconding.

Bharti faces arrest in connection with an attempt to murder and domestic violence case filed by his wife Lipika.

“We want him to surrender before appropriate jurisdiction of the police”. Till the time his lawyer made it to the court, Bharti was representing himself and was arguing on his own behalf. Mr Bharti, 41, asked in a local court when the prosecution lawyer argued how the lawmaker’s pet, a Labrador named “Don”, was crucial to police investigations. His plea was opposed by Bharti’s defence counsel Vijay Aggarwal, who submitted that police had enough time to examine the dog.

The police, which sought five days custody of Bharti, said he was required for custodial interrogation as he has been evading arrest. “Since supreme court has asked me to surrender, I am complying the order”, Bharti had said just before surrendering.

“I am here to surrender on the direction of the honourable Supreme Court…the Constitution of India provides legal remedies to every citizen”, said Bharti, flashing a copy of Constitution to mediapersons.

The court should keep this in mind while hearing Bharti’s appeal against the rejection of his anticipatory bail by the trial court and the Delhi High Court, he contended. We will be the first person to say – refer matter to the mediation centre if it is in the interest of children.

After the warrant Bharti was on the run, Special Public Prosecutor Shailendra Babbar informed Metropolitan Magistrate Manika whereas in search of his police custody. He is wanted in domestic violence and an attempt to murder case.