Dhumal gets bail in HPCA land row

DHARAMSHALA: Himachal Pradesh ex-chief minister and BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal on Monday got regular bail for alleged wrongdoing in allotment of land to the state's cricket association during his previous tenure. However, his two sons, including Lok Sabha member Anurag Thakur, who were among the 16 people summoned by a local trial court, could not appear in the court.
Additional district and sessions judge Davinder Kumar granted regular bail to Dhumal and 10 others after they furnished a bail bond and a surety bond of Rs 25,000.
Court had issued summoned following a charge sheet submitted by the vigilance and anti-corruption bureau on April 25, 2014.
Anurag, who is the president of HPCA, had taken exemption after citing his engagements in parliamentary meetings. His younger brother Arun, HPCA secretary Vishal Marwah and member Surinder Kumar did not appear before the court as they were not served summons.
"The next date of hearing has been fixed for December 19," informed public prosecutor Satish Thakur. "The 11 accused who surrendered to the court were provided a copy of charge sheet," he added.