Varun Gandhi acquitted in another hate speech case

PILIBHIT: In yet another reprieve, BJP MP Varun Gandhi was today acquitted by a local court in a hate speech case filed against him during the 2009 Lok Sabha polls.

The order was passed by Chief Judicial Magistrate Abdul Quayyum here.

Two hate speech cases were filed against Varun in connection with 2009 elections. While he was acquitted by the same court on February 27 in the case lodged in Kotwali police station, today's order related to the case filed in Barkhera police station.

A case of violence outside the district jail against him had been referred to the sessions court, according to the prosecution.

In a statement, 33-year-old Varun expressed his faith in the judiciary and welcomed the decision of the court.

"This has been a long and hard fought battle for justice. I welcome the court's decision in vindicating me. I am deeply grateful to those who stood by and believed in me through this difficult time.

"I shall continue working for a strong and united India," he said.