Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pleaded not guilty on Thursdaybefore a Mumbai court in connection with the defamation case allegedly linkingjournalist Gauri Lankesh’s killing with “BJP-RSS ideology”. He was released ona surety amount of Rs 15000. Gandhi appeared before a Mazgaon MetropolitanMagistrate in connection with a defamation case filed by a RSS worker, a partyleader said. Former MP Eknath Gaikwad gave surety for Rahul in court.Laterspeaking to media outside the court, Rahul said, “Aakraman ho raha hai, mazaaaa raha hai (I am being attacked, enjoying this).”

“Will fight 10 times more than I did in last five years,” headded.

In February this year, RSS Swayam Sevak Dhrutiman Joshi hadfiled a defamation case against Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Sitaram Yechury andthe Communist Party of India (Marxist) for defaming the RSS following the deathof Gauri Lankesh. In his plea, Joshi had said that barely 24 hours after theLankesh’s death, Rahul had allegedly blamed the RSS and its ideology for themurder.

Several Congress leaders including Milind Deora, SanjayNirupam, Kripashankar, Amin Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge led accompanied Rahul tothe Mumbai Airport.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury also arrived at aMumbai court in connection with a defamation case filed for allegedly linkingGauri Lankesh’s murder with “BJP-RSS ideology”. Rahul Gandhi is also present atthe Court.

The next hearing in the matter will be on September 21, whencomplainant will be asked to submit evidence. Rahul and Yechuri’s presence isnot required in this hearing.