In a gripping turn at the Allahabad High Court, Tinku Bhargava, a BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha district president, secured bail despite facing charges in a chilling case of alleged beheading of a political associate and friend, a bullion trader. The court’s decision came after a close examination of his background and the progress of the trial.
Justice Ajay Bhanot emphasized Bhargava’s clean slate—no prior criminal record—and ruled he poses no flight risk. The judge noted Bhargava’s cooperation with the investigation and found no reason to suspect he would interfere with witnesses, tamper with evidence, or commit further offenses.
“The accused has maintained a law-abiding stance throughout and has committed to cooperating with court procedures. There is no indication he would influence witnesses or jeopardize the trial process,” the court observed, while refraining from commenting on the case’s core merits.
Bhargava has been in custody since August 2022, charged under multiple sections related to murder and evidence tampering following the brutal incident. This was his second attempt at bail—the first was denied in early 2024.
His defense counsel highlighted that all prosecution witnesses have been examined and the trial was advancing towards defense testimony. Prolonged detention, they argued, would hinder Bhargava’s ability to prepare a proper defense, violating the principles of justice and fairness.
Citing precedent, the court invoked the Prabhat Gangwar ruling, underscoring the accused’s right to adequate preparation for a fair trial.
Bhargava was ordered released on bail after furnishing a personal bond and two sureties. Conditions include strict prohibitions against evidence tampering or witness influence, and mandatory court appearances. The trial court was instructed to avoid imposing unreasonable bail conditions, with immediate revocation if any misconduct is detected.
This ruling marks a critical phase as the case moves closer to substantive trial proceedings.