Toolkit case: Climate activist Disha Ravi granted bail by Delhi court

Disha Ravi, the 21-year-old climate activist, who was arrested in connection with allegedly being involved in sharing a "toolkit" on social media related to the farmers' protest, was granted bail by a Delhi court on Tuesday (February 23).

Additional Sessions Judge Dharmendra Rana allowed the bail to the accused on the condition of two surety of Rs 1 lakh each.

The Delhi police had on Saturday (February 20) said the court that the 'Toolkit' was a sinister design to defame India and cause violence. Hearing of Disha's bail plea had continued for three long hours.

"Poetic Justice Foundation and Sikhs For Justice in order to hide their involvement used Disha Ravi as a front to carry out the nefarious activity," Additional Solicitor General SV Raju told the court, adding that these organisations are connected to the Khalistani movement.

The Delhi Police further told the city court that Ravi covered her track and deleted evidence like contents of the Toolkit and a WhatsApp group, which the public prosecutor emphasized showed her "guilty mind".

Ravi's counsel Advocate Siddharth Agarwal, however, claimed there is no evidence linking the Toolkit to the violence during the farmers' march on January 26.

Ravi faces charges of conspiracy and sedition in the 'Toolkit' conspiracy case related to the farmers' agitation and was arrested from Bengaluru on February 13.

The Delhi Police have contended that the google document tweeted by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg to back the farmers' protest and then deleted, was created by Ravi and two other activists -- Jacob and Muluk.

(With IANS inputs)