Raj Thackeray granted bail in poll-related offense

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj Thackeray was today granted bail in a case filed by police for violating orders during the Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation polls in October 2010.
   
Raj appeared before Kalyan Judicial Magistrate, who released him on bail on a bond of Rs 5,000 with surety of the same amount. He was accompanied by his lawyer Sayaji Nangre.
   
Police had filed an FIR against Raj on October 30 for disobeying a notice issued by a DCP prohibiting his stay in Dombivali after conclusion of the campaign on October 29 for the civic polls.
   
The notice was issued under Section 149, CrPC, which bans political leaders from staying in constituencies after their campaign is over.
   
Despite the notice banning his stay in Kalyan and Dombivali limits, Raj had stayed back in the area, prompting the police to lodge the FIR.
   
Police filed a charge sheet on December 21. The MNS leader was charged with offence under IPC Section 188 for violating police orders.
   
Summons was issued by the court, asking him to appear
before it on February 5.