Sambhaji Bhide gets bail for infertility cure comment

Mumbai: Controversial activist and Shiv Prathistahan Hindustan founder Sambhaji Bhide on Friday got bail from a local court in a case filed against him over his alleged remark that mangoes from his farm cured infertility and helped couples have male children.

Bhide (87) had reportedly made the remark during a public rally on June 10 this year. “I have never shared this with anyone except my mother. I have planted these mango trees in my farms. Till now, 180 childless couples took the fruit from me and 150 of them have had children. If a couple wants a male child, they will have it after eating these mangoes. This mango is useful for those facing infertility,” he had claimed at the rally.

Bhide appeared before the Judicial Magistrate first class Jaideep Pandey on Friday and was granted bail on a personal bond of  Rs 15,000, his lawyer Avinash Bhide said. On the direction of the state additional director (health), Pune, the Nashik Municipal Corporation filed a case against him.  The direction to file an FIR was issued after a social activist approached the civic body demanding action against Bhide.

He had earlier failed to appear before the court three times following which summons were issued against him. Bhide is also an accused in the Bhima-Koregaon violence, which took place on January 1 this year when dalit groups had organised a function to mark the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, which took place in 1818.