Kharge purification event row: FIR lodged against unknown persons in U’khand’s Haldwani

Dehradun: The Nainital Police on Tuesday lodged an FIR against unknown persons over the alleged ‘shuddhikaran’ (purification) ritual performed at a venue in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani following an event addressed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on August 8.

Earlier, a Zero FIR was registered in Bengaluru over the allegation.

Addressing the media, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manjunath T.C said: “Complaints and applications were being received from various organisations, individuals, and groups across the state, and from different places, regarding the incident. More than 19 applications were received in Nainital district only. All of these were being legally examined. Accordingly, a case has been registered based on the formal written complaint of Anju, who was the first one to submit a complaint in this matter.”

The police officer said that the complainant is a local from Haldwani.

“She demanded action on it, which was also being demanded by various political parties. Following a legal examination and legal review, an FIR has now been registered under relevant sections at the Haldwani Kotwali based on Anju’s complaint,” he added.

The Nainital SSP added that given the sympathetic nature of the case, senior officer and IPS Jagdish Chandra has been handed the charge of investigating the case.

“This case is now under investigation and whoever wants to submit any evidence regarding this, can reach out to the Investigating Officer,” he also said.

He added that while the FIR has been lodged against unknown people, it is in relation to the alleged purification ritual carried out at the venue, Ramlila Maidan.

Meanwhile, advocate Anju, who is the complainant in the case, refuted the claims of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the state, that the alleged purification act was carried out in response to “Jihadi slogans”.

Speaking to reporters, she said: “I was also present there that day to listen to Mallikarjun Kharge’s speech. Nothing of that sort happened. Some people, in order to serve their political interests, are posting edited videos and deceptive facts on social media. I haven’t named anyone in the FIR, nor do I have any personal enmity with anyone.”

She claimed that attempts were being made to ruin social harmony by sharing misleading videos without getting to the bottom of the truth.

“When I saw those videos on social media where a person was being specifically targeted and purification ritual being carried out against him (Mallikarjun Kharge), I submitted a complaint on August 15. An FIR has now finally been lodged based on it,” the lawyer said.

She mentioned that the case has been registered under the SC/ST Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

“My only request to the police administration is to conduct a fair and impartial investigation. Whoever made these edited videos or engaged in such things, trying to show someone down, belittling someone, or smearing someone’s social image—is indulging is unconstitutional acts.”

She said that though the current FIR has been lodged against unknown people, names will be included in the chargesheet after the investigation is concluded.

“If I am not satisfied with the probe, I will approach the court,” she added.

IANS