Attack on EC squad: Maharathy's bail plea deferred till April 27

Bhubaneswar: A special designated court here on Wednesday deferred the hearing of the bail plea of arrested BJD MLA Pradeep Maharathy in connection with the attack on Election Commission surveillance squad. The next date of hearing is April 27.

According to sources, the court has deferred the hearing due to delay in submission of case diary and injury report.

Maharathy was arrested on April 22 for allegedly attacking Election Commission flying squad Magistrate Rabinarayan Patra and Static Surveillance Team (SST) members at his farm house in Pipili area of Puri district a day before.

The ruling party legislator has been charged with serious offences including 307 (Attempt to Murder), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 147 (rioting) & 148 (Rioting, armed with deadly weapon).

Following his arrest, Maharathy was sent to Jharpada Special Jail after the Bhubaneswar Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) turned down his bail petition.