Ahmedabad: Sedition accused firebrand Patidar leader Hardik Patel was today granted bail in the Visnagar rioting case third case by a court here. The 22-year-old is likely to walk out of jail soon after nine months in prison. Some reports suggest he could walk out of jail as early as tomorrow.
Last week, he was granted bail in two cases slapped against him by the Gujarat government. The court, while granting him bail, set a condition that he will have to stay out of Gujarat for a period of six months.
Patel was arrested after he led a massive protest against the BJP-led government in Gujarat demanding reservations for the Patidar community. Though traditionally rich, the mass movement led by Patel claimed that the community, which was dependent on farming and diamond trade, had seen dwindling fortunes over the years.
The state government, meanwhile, has said it will offer 10 per cent reservation in government jobs to economically weak sections, a move that is likely to be rejected both by the High Court as well as the Patel community.
Patel was arrested after his supporters ran rampage across many areas in the state. Supporters of the firebrand leader resorted to large-scale violence and arson in prominent cities in Gujarat.
Hardik Patel has said he will continue a peaceful protest once he is freed.
