JNU incident: Chargesheet has questions that have no answers
The incident of JNU student leaders Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya and seven others allegedly shouting anti-national slogans in the precincts of JNU campus in 2016 has again come to light with Delhi police drawing up the chargesheet against them on Monday.
Kanhaiya Kumar was the president of student union when the incident happened. Delhi police have stated they have visual, oral and documentary evidence to prove their charges. This means Delhi police is saying the visual evidence of Kanhaiya Kumar leading the sloganeering students is with the police as of now.
The chargesheet states after the permission to observe the anniversary of parliament attack mastermind Afzal Guru who was hanged eventually, was denied by the administration of the JNU, a text message was received by Umar Khalid and Kanhaiya Kumar to assemble at Sabarmati dhaba near the campus as per the charge sheet filed by Delhi police in the Patiala House Court a good three years after the incident.
But it is rather significant to note that the senior officers have said they do not possess direct documentary evidence to insinuate Kanhaiya Kumar shouting slogans, that can be termed as sedition . Though Zee news had aired the footage that showed someone shouting slogans, it was later said that this was not a genuine video. The channel now carries the reputation of having aired concocted footage to fix certain people.
Some parts of the video footages were obtained by those who were present at the venue. Officers have said some of the persons who were present when the incident occurred, had also testified to prove the charges against the accused. The court has noted the witnesses and their statements along with those of the police under relevant sections under CrPC.
Just as the Lok Sabha elections draw close, this filing of chargesheet against Kanhaiya Kumar and his friends has given rise to many doubts regarding the motive behind this act. How does a message from Khalid to Kanhaiya amount to sedition? Does the video footage possessed by the police show Kanhaiya Kumar shouting slogans against the country. Was he seen encouraging the students who were shouting anti national slogans? None of these questions can get clear answers from the Delhi police.
The chargesheet does not have clear details of calls made and received by Kanhaiya Kumar. The chargesheet does not explain where the phone was after and before the incident of shouting of anti national slogans or the subsequent clashes that broke out.
On the other hand, the police has not provided any incriminating evidence to prove Kanhaiya Kumar's role or crime in the whole incident. His name has not been recorded as the organiser of the event after the administration denied the permission to hold the event on the campus.
The police has decided to take action against Kanhaiya and his accomplices only after doctored videos by some channels were aired that showed him shouting slogans. But there has been no mention of doctored videos making rounds after the incident.
The case seems to be hanging on a lot of loose ends that may be difficult to be proven. Now despite knowing that this case may not hold water, if the police have still gone ahead and taken it to the court only to stop Kanhaiya and his friends from participating in the Lok Sabha elections, this must surely be a case of necessity of someone.
The name is pretty much know and is highly predictable by now. Narendra Modi has been rattled by the CBI and other investigating agencies.
Whatever be the case, this decision will turn to be favourable for Kanhaiya. With this, Modi has laid bare his fears and insecurities before the whole country.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
