Granted Bail by Supreme Court a Day After His Birthday; 112 Others, Including Bhim Army State President, Also Granted Bail
Raipur – Congress MLA Devendra Yadav has been released from Raipur Central Jail after nearly seven months in custody in connection with the Balodabazar violence case.
Supreme Court Grants Bail
The Supreme Court granted bail to Devendra Yadav on February 20, just a day after his birthday. He had been in jail since August 17, 2024, spending a total of 188 days in custody. A large number of his supporters gathered outside Raipur Central Jail to welcome him upon his release.
Background of the Case
On June 10, 2024, members of the Satnami community staged a protest in Balodabazar following the vandalism of a Jaitkham (a sacred religious symbol). During the demonstration, the Collectorate and the SP’s office were set on fire. Devendra Yadav was accused of inciting the crowd and supporting the protestors, leading to his arrest.
Devendra Yadav’s Defense in Supreme Court
In his defense, Yadav argued before the Supreme Court that he had only attended the protest but neither stepped onto the stage nor delivered a speech. He contended that mere presence at the gathering did not imply that he instigated the violence.
His legal team further pointed out that the timing of his presence at the protest and the outbreak of violence did not coincide. Yadav was not present at the site when the violence erupted. His arrest took place at his residence in Bhilai, several kilometers away from the incident location. His lawyers claimed that the charges against him were politically motivated.
Timeline of the Balodabazar Violence Case
- May 15, 2024 – A Jaitkham in Manakoni village, 5 km from Giroudpuri Dham, was vandalized overnight, triggering protests demanding strict action.
- May 19, 2024 – Three individuals from Bihar were arrested for the vandalism. They allegedly acted under the influence of alcohol due to a financial dispute. However, the community remained dissatisfied with the police response.
- June 10, 2024 – A large protest in Balodabazar turned violent. Protestors set fire to the Collectorate and SP offices, torched several vehicles, and clashed with the police. Around 200 people, including public representatives, were arrested.
- August 17, 2024 – Devendra Yadav was arrested in connection with the violence after being summoned for questioning.
Police Report on the Violence
According to the charge sheet, the arson during the protest caused damages amounting to ₹2.82 crore. Protestors vandalized and set fire to government vehicles, private cars, and fire brigade trucks. The SP and Collectorate offices were also set ablaze.
Several police officers and government employees sustained injuries during the violence. The police claim that protestors arrived at the site armed with petrol bombs, suggesting that the arson was premeditated.
