Nodeep extorted money from industrialists, incited violence, police tell HC
CHANDIGARH: The Haryana Police have accused labour activist Nodeep Kaur of extorting money from industrialists in Kondli area of Sonepat and inciting workers during a protest on January 12, in which seven cops were reportedly injured.
In a status report submitted to the Punjab and Haryana high court on Wednesday, the Haryana Police also denied that the woman activist was physically assaulted.
The status report was submitted in response to suo motu plea initiated by HC on reports of illegal arrest of the labour activist. During interrogation she disclosed that she along with her associates Shiv Kumar and Sahil had formed ‘Majdoor Adhikar Sangthan’ and took brokerage from labourers for providing them salary etc from factory owners and extorted money from the owners, police claimed.
Police say the first FIR was registered on December 28, in which there were allegations of extortion of money from the owner and gherao of his private industrial unit, in which Nodeep and Sahil are accused.
On January 12 a unit in Kundli was gheraoed and staff manhandled by members of her group and here too complaint of extortion of money from factory owner by activists were made, the report says adding that Nodeep was one of the agitators and she made a provocative speech during the protest saying that if police come to spot they will attack and beat them.
The court was further told on the day she was arrested and in her interrogation she took names of Shiv, Sumit and Sahil as co-conspirators who along with her, took brokerage from labourers. Two FIRS have been registered for February 12 violence. On the allegations of physical assault, the police say, she was medically examined the same day. The HC deferred hearing for Friday.
Medical points to injuries on another activist
The medical report prepared by Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, on the court’s directions pointed towards injury marks on the body of Shiv Kumar.
The report says the injuries are over two weeks old and were caused by a blunt object or weapon. He was lodged in Sonepat jail on February 2.
Cheema writes to Khattar Punjab leader of opposition Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday wrote to Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar demanding immediate release of Nodeep. Cheema said he along with deputy leader of opposition visited Karnal jail on Tuesday, but they were not allowed to meet Nodeep.