HC seeks report from govt

RANCHI: The Jharkhand High Court on Friday sought a detailed report from the state government regarding the violence in Ranchi on June 10, which had left two persons dead and over a dozen others seriously injured.

The direction came from the division bench of chief justice Dr Ravi Ranjan and justice SN Prasad on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a probe by NIA (National Investigation Agency) into the violent protests against alleged offensive remarks against Prophet Muhammad by two BJP spokespersons, who have since been suspended by the party.

“The bench has sought a detailed report about the incident, including attack by protesters at police and religious places, besides the situation in which police had to open fire at the protesters. The court has also directed to provide the intelligence report received by the administration and the action taken based on the report,” said Rajiv Kumar, counsel of petitioner Pankaj

Yadav.

Besides NIA probe into role of different individuals and organisations, the petitioner has also pleaded for direction to assess damage done to private and public property and auction the property of those behind to compensate the loss.

Appearing on behalf of the state government, additional advocate general Ashutosh Anand said he would have to seek instructions from the state and file the report accordingly.

The bench has listed the matter for next hearing on June 24.

The bench has sought a detailed report about the incident, including attack by protesters at police and religious places, besides on the police firing

RAJIV KUMAR, Lawyer