Raigad: Republic TV network editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami and his co-accused in abetment of suicide case failed to appear before a court in Raigad district of Maharashtra on Thursday, prompting the prosecution to seek a warrant against them. The court, however, granted him and other two accused exemption from appearance for the day and adjourned the hearing.
"Arnab Goswami and his co-accused were ordered to appear in court on the first day. However, all three did not show up today. In this regard, we have applied to the court to issue an arrest warrant for the accused. A hearing is now scheduled for February 6 on whether to issue a warrant, whether the accused should be present or not," the prosecution said.
Alibaug Police had arrested Goswami and two others in the case related to interior designer Anvay Naik''s alleged suicide in November. They were later granted bail by the Supreme Court.
On Thursday, as the case came up before Alibaug sessions court, Goswami and other two accused -- Firoze Sheikh and Nitish Sarda -- did not appear.
Arnab Goswami's lawyers had argued that the accused was in Delhi and could not be present due to the Corona rule and had requested the court to allow all the three accused to be absent today. Their lawyers sought an exemption for the day, which the court granted.
Special public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat took a strong exception, saying the accused should have been present for the purpose of identification as this was the first hearing after the court took cognizance of the charge sheet.
READ: TV anchor Goswami can contact lawyer: Minister
He also sought the issuance of a warrant against Goswami and the other two.
Raigad police had on December 4 filed a charge sheet against Alibag Magistrate Sunaina Pingale in the Naik suicide case. The trial was all set to begin on January 7. Arnab Goswami, Feroze Sheikh and Nitesh Sarda were ordered to appear before the court in the case. However, all the three accused remained absent in the court today.
The court posted the case for hearing on February 6.