Photo: ANI
NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has added Section 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in the FIR against protestors who were raising slogans at India Gate in support of dreaded Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, recently eliminated by security forces in Andhra Pradesh.Section 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita penalises making or publishing statements that target any religious, regional, caste, language or communal group in a way that harms national integration or spreads false information threatening India’s sovereignty, with punishment of up to three years or fine or both. In aggravated cases committed in a place of worship, punishment may extend to five years along with a fine”The protesters were holding posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma (who was recently killed in the encounter). When they tried to block the road, the police tried to remove them, but they sprayed pepper spray on the police personnel and tried to attack them. The police are now taking legal action against them,” Delhi Police told news agency ANI.Delhi Police on Monday also told a Delhi court that five protesters arrested for allegedly using pepper spray on police personnel during a pollution-related demonstration at India Gate were also heard raising slogans hailing Hidma. According to police, the first FIR registered at Kartavya Path Police Station invoked multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, voluntarily causing hurt, contempt of lawful authority of public servants and disobedience to lawful orders. Five persons were arrested under this case.A second FIR, filed at Parliament Street Police Station, was registered against 17 individuals under sections relating to disobedience to orders of a public servant, obstructing public servants, and wrongful restraint.Judicial Magistrate Aridaman Singh Cheema remanded the five students to two-day judicial custody.During the hearing, the defence alleged custodial torture, claiming at least three students were beaten during interrogation and submitting photographs purportedly showing bruise marks. “They are just students; they went there for a peaceful protest, not to indulge in any anti-national activity,” the lawyer argued, adding, “The photos we submitted show police brutality. What are they trying to unearth from the case?”In a separate hearing, Judicial Magistrate Sahil Monga sent the other 17 accused to three days’ judicial custody.
