Paradip (Orissa): Orissa`s Agriculture
minister Damodar Rout, accused of hurting sentiments of
Dalits by uttering the word "Harijan", has been granted bail
by a lower court at Kujang in Jagatsinghpur district on Monday.
While allowing bail for the minister, the Judicial
Magistrate (first class) of Kujang in Jagatsinghpur district
has asked Rout to cooperate with the investigating agency and
not to influence witnesses.
The court also cautioned the minister not to utter the
word "Harijan" in future.
The BJD leader, who personally appeared before the
court furnished a bond of Rs 20,000 and two surety.
While addressing a public meeting in August 2010, Rout
had used the word Harijan, which hurt the sentimates of
dalits.
One Manoj Kumar Bhoi had filed a FIR at Kujang police
station on August 21, 2010 against the minister for his
utterances.
Rout moved the lower court after the Orissa High Court
denied him an anticipatory bail in the case. However, the High
Court had suggested the minister to approach the lower court
for a regular bail.
Even the issue was echoed in the state assembly
and the minister had clarified that "he will not attend the
assembly if the court issues warrant against me."
PTI
