Gag order on Mohammad Deepak: HC refuses to quash FIR against gym owner | India News
New Delhi: The Uttarakhand High Court on Friday issued a gag order on Mohammad Deepak and refused to quash the FIR against him. The case relates to the harassment of a Muslim shopkeeper along with members of the gym owner Bajrang Dal.“It’s part of the investigation. Don’t be sensitive [sensationalise]. I will refrain you from making any statements on social media. Right now, I am arresting you because you are a defendant facing investigation. I’m stopping you now. Don’t make any comments on social media. This is my strict instruction to you,” Bar and Bench Justice Thapliyal said.“The petitioners are under investigation and in these circumstances, he (Kumar) cannot pray for police protection. There is no question of creating suspicion on the investigating agency. He has to hope and believe that his life will be protected. Still, he can approach the appropriate officer (of the police, if necessary, for protection),” the court order said.The court on Thursday, while hearing Kumar’s plea to quash the FIR, raised objections to what it described as unreasonable requests in the petition, including claims for police protection and action against officials for alleged “biased” conduct.The court observed that the pleas appeared to be an attempt to exert pressure on the investigation and draw unnecessary attention to the case. It also questioned the petitioner’s request for police protection, noting that he himself is a “suspicious accused”.The court on Tuesday directed the state authorities to submit a status report on action taken on all FIRs related to the incident. One such FIR has been registered against Deepak Kumar on charges of rioting, causing hurt and willful insult with intent to breach the peace in connection with an incident reported on January 26 at Kotdwar. Kumar is accused of clashing with members of the Bajrang Dal when they objected to a Muslim shopkeeper, Wakil Ahmed, naming his shop “Baba”. A video of the clash later went viral on social media. Kumar has since moved the High Court seeking quashing of the FIR.
