AAP MLA Pawan Sharma gets 18-month jail

In another jolt to the Aam Aadmi Party, a Delhi court has awarded one and a half year rigorous imprisonment to AAP MLA Pawan Sharma from Adarsh Nagar and also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on him in connection with a negligence death case of a labourer that took place at his factory in Outer Delhi’s Samaypur Badli in 2009. Sharm was later released on bail by the court.

Metropolitan Magistrate Virender Singh said that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and held Sharma guilty for the offence punishable under sections 287/304-A of IPC.

“The convict is sentenced to 18 months rigorous imprisonment for the offence U/s 304-A of IPC. He is further directed to deposit an amount of Rs one lakh with DLSA North within a period of Rs 30 days from today as the wife as well as daughter of the deceased could not be traced despite all efforts. In default of the payment the convict shall undergo three months simple imprisonment in addition to aforesaid sentence,” the court noted.

The court also allowed the bail plea of the accused saying it was in the interest of the justice.

“The convict has been sentenced to less than three years of simple imprisonment, therefore, in the interest of justice, bail application is allowed,” it noted.

Speaking with this newspaper, Sharma said that he will file a revision petition against the order of the trial court which has awarded him one and a half-year-jail term.

In 2009, one Ram Kumar (45), who had been working as labour at his factory had died.

A steel rod had fallen on his thigh. He suffered severe injuries and had to be hospitalised. His condition worsened and he succumbed during the course of treatment. After his death the police lodged a case against Sharma.

Delhi BJP Chief, Satish Updhyay has criticised Sharma, saying it was another horrifying face of the Aam Aadmi Party.