On Saturday Varun Gandhi took the second and most important step in his journey as a rabble rouser and firebrand.
"Varun Gandhi was very quiet inside the court and did not speak a single word. It almost looked like deep down he was understanding for the first time that shooting his mouth off when surrounded by supporters is one thing. But answering for your actions and standing all alone, facing the prospect of going to jail for the first time in life is totally another," a lawyer present in the court said.
Here's what happened inside the court room:
11:40 am: Varun Gandhi entered the court.
11:45 am: His counsel said that his client would surrender in connection with all three cases filed against him.
The judge then remands Varun to judicial custody.
11:50 am: Gandhi's advocate rushes out of the court, looking for the leader's aides and consults in whispers on the corridors.
12:05 am: Advocate returns to courtroom and moves a bail plea. Says the CDs were doctored and moves for bail on the ground that forensic reports have not been submitted in the court. The Judge says the bail plea will be heard at 1 pm, the stipulated time for such pleas. Varun Gandhi steps out for a brief moment.
12:35 am: Judge calls session earlier than normal so that other cases can be heard once this hearing is over. Prosecution seeks time till Monday, using a provision which allows such a move for cases where charges are filed under non-bailable sections of the IPC.
12:45 am: Varun taken to jail complex across the road from the court.
