The SC-ST Special Court in Jaipur, Rajasthan, has charged former MLA Girraj Singh Malinga with various offenses, including attempt to murder, under the Indian Penal Code and the SC-ST Act. This charge could lead to life imprisonment upon conviction. Special Judge Vidyanand Shukla framed the charges against Malinga and seven others in the case. The incident dates back to March 28, 2022, during Malinga’s tenure as the MLA from the Bari assembly constituency in Dholpur district.
The prosecution alleges that Malinga incited and participated in an attack on Assistant Engineer Harshadapati and Junior Engineer Nitin Gulati at the Bari Discom office. An FIR was filed by the police on March 29, 2022, invoking sections related to assault, obstruction of official duty, and the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Following orders from the Rajasthan High Court, the trial was moved from Dholpur to Jaipur. The Jaipur court has now formally charged Malinga and his co-accused under relevant sections of the IPC and the SC-ST Act.
Malinga’s bail situation has been contentious, with the High Court initially granting him bail on May 17, 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his bail was revoked on July 5, 2024, after he allegedly misused it by organizing a public rally. Following the Supreme Court’s instructions, Malinga surrendered before the SC-ST court in Dholpur on November 20. He later obtained bail from the Supreme Court and is presently out on bail as the trial progresses. The framing of charges signifies a significant development in the case, setting the stage for the trial to proceed.
