U’khand DGP seeks report on video of accused with officer

DGP ASHOK KUMAR SAID BASED ON THE REPORT BY HARIDWAR SP, DEPARTMENTAL ACTION WILL BE INITIATED AGAINST THE OFFICER

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand police chief Ashok Kumar on Wednesday sought a report from Haridwar Police over a video that purportedly showed the accused in the hate speech case meeting a police officer and saying he will be “on our side”.

According to people familiar with the matter, the incident took place on Tuesday when members of a “Dharam Sansad” arrived at Haridwar Kotwali police station to file a complaint alleging “threat to life from Muslim fundamentalists”. Three of those in the group have been named in an FIR filed by Uttarakhand Police over their alleged calls for violence against minorities at a controversial event in Haridwar between December 17 and 19.

An 81-second video shows accused Pooja Shakun Pandey, alias Annapurna Maa, purportedly telling station house officer Rakendra Kathait: “After this complaint, a message should be sent that you are unbiased. You are an administrative officer adhering to the Constitution. You are equal for all. This is our expectation from you.”

Yati Narsinghanand, the seckumar ond accused, is heard purportedly saying “the officer is on our side”. Kathait is then seen nodding sideways as everyone in the room bursts out laughing.

HT could not confirm the authenticity of the video.

said based on the report by Haridwar superintendent of police, departmental action will be initiated against the officer.

“Police are taking all necessary action in the case in which a probe is already on. We have already named three accused in the case and will add more as the probe unfolds,” he said.

Kathait, however, claimed it is important “to understand the whole context of the scenario”.

“I was present there with many other people. Anybody can say anything, but that does not mean I am associated with them. The question would arise if I would have replied to their statement. As police officers, we work as per the Constitution and in an unbiased manner,” he said.

Both Tyagi and Pandey were sent notices by police under section 41(a) of CRPC under which they have to present themselves before the police or judiciary as and when required.

Police said that further legal action will be taken if they fail to appear for questioning.

A similar notice couldn’t be served to the third accused, Dharamdas Maharaj, general secretary of the Hindu Mahasabha as he was not at his residence, police said.