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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Former minister C M Ibrahim announces to launch new regional party for Karnataka
Kalaburagi: Two years after being expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular), former minister C.M. Ibrahim has announced that he will launch a new regional political party in Karnataka on January 24, reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Nava Karnataka Nirmana Andolana in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Ibrahim confirmed the birth of the new party.
The 77-year-old politician stated he would soon be meeting with other like-minded individuals to choose a symbol for the party.
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Ibrahim emphasised that the organisation would be guided by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
A veteran politician, Ibrahim served as Union Civil Aviation Minister during the tenure of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister and later headed the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular). He was expelled from the JD(S) in 2023 on charges of anti-party activities.
His exit from the party followed sharp differences over the JD(S) decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the then state president of the JD(S), Ibrahim had publicly criticised the alliance, claiming it was finalised without his knowledge. He had also reportedly convened meetings of his supporters and expressed support for the INDIA bloc.
