Advocate Balan terms Prabhakar Bhat’s statement ‘an act of terrorism,’ seeks NIA probe
Says “there is a likelihood Bhat being sentenced 7-8 year in the case”
Bengaluru: Amid row surrounding RSS Leader Prabhakar Bhat’s statement on Muslim women, Senior Advocate, S.Balan termed Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat’s statement ‘an act of terrorism,’ and has called for an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). “As Bhat’s case falls under the IPC Section 153 A, 505 (2), it is a serious crime and an act of terrorism. The statement against Muslim women in an anti-social statement. This case should be investigated by the NIA,” said Balan sharing information about the case in conversation with Vartha Bharathi on Friday.
Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat's bail application hearing took place at the 3rd Additional District Sessions Court in Srirangapatna, Mandya district. Senior Advocate S. Balan argued on behalf of the complainant Najma Chikkaneele, urging the cancellation of the interim anticipatory bail granted to Bhat.
“The police have informed that the charge sheet is ready and will be submitted to the Magistrate Court. Later, Prabhakar Bhatt will have to run to the court. The inquiry will take place swiftly. If convicted, the charge carries a minimum jail term of three years.While, Rahul Gandhi was sentenced to two years for saying a word about Modi. There is a possibility of 7-8 years of punishment for Prabhakar Bhat’s statement," he added.
Commending swift investigation and preparation of charge sheet by the Police, he stated, “The trial is going on in the sessions court. The charge sheet has to be filed in the Magistrate Court. So the police have filed a report. It is a good development that there was a swift investigation and the charge sheet is ready.”
“Prabhakar Bhat is repeatedly committing such crimes. Therefore he is a habitual offender. It was brought to the court's attention that he should be investigated in police custody under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA).Responding to this, the Junior Lawyer for the accused sought permission *for extension* till January 10th, stating that the senior Lawyer was not present on that day, and that the accused will be called to the high court for hearing on January 9. This case has nothing to do with the case being heard in the High Court. This is a case of anticipatory bail. *It was brought to the attention of the court not to bring the entire High Court case to this*," said Balan.
"Judge who heard the arguments asked to come on January 10 at four o'clock in the evening, and stated that he will hear the argument. Although the Lawyer for the accused requested for the case to be brought up again, they were not given time. He said that he will give you a chance," he said.
"This is a serious case. What does it mean by new husbands everyday for Muslim women? Aren't Muslim women citizens of the country? As per 153A, 354(2)4 this is a heinous crime. The NIA should investigate this. The argument was presented before the court that it was an anti-social act," opined Balan.
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
