Remarks against Muslims: Jammu and Kashmir court grants anticipatory bail to BJP leader Vikram Randhawa

A Jammu and Kashmir court on Tuesday granted anticipatory bail to BJP leader Vikram Randhawa who allegedly made derogatory remarks on social media against Muslims and Kashmiris (Vikram Randhawa V/s U.T of J&K through I/C SHO Police Station Trikuta Nagar, Jammu)

. Additional Sessions Judge, Jammu Ashwani Kumar Sharma granted interim bail to Randhawa subject to the conditions that he shall make himself available for interrogation by the police concerned as and when required or threaten or induce any witness in the case.

. "It is directed that the applicant, in the event of his arrest, shall be released on interim bail on his furnishing of surety bond in the amount of Rs. 25,000 to the satisfaction of Incharge Police Station, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu and personal bond of the like amount, provided that the applicant is not involved in any offence, which is punishable with the imprisonment exceeding the term of 05 years or any other offence triable by Special Judge or under NDPS Act, or Forest Act, or Arms Act, ULAP Act, Prevention of atrocities on SC/ST Act and offence against women," the order said.

. Advocate Parag Sharma represented Randhawa.

. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had registered a first information report (FIR) against Randhawa under Sections 295-A (hurting religious sentiments) and 505 (promoting enmity between classes) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Muslims.

The FIR was filed after a video of Vikram Randhawa purportedly making derogatory remarks against Muslims and calling for "skinning them alive" following the Pakistan cricket team's win against India in the T20 World Cup match went viral on social media.

"These 22 or 23-year-old girls who roam around in Jammu in veils, were in Kashmir throwing their jackets in the air and raising pro-pakistan slogans. And these girls in the age group of 21-22 are praising Pakistan and have sympathy for the country in their hearts...I think the agencies are doing a good job. They are not taking it (celebrations in Kashmir over India’s defeat) casually. Since the beginning, we have been demanding that not just their (academic) degrees be cancelled, their citizenship too must be revoked. They should be beaten up and skinned alive,” Randhawa was heard saying.

. In this regard, a number of complaints were filed at different police stations against Randhawa.

Meanwhile, Randhawa has been relieved by BJP from party posts and other responsbilities.

Remarks against Muslims: Jammu and Kashmir court grants anticipatory bail to BJP leader Vikram Randhawa

Mohsin Dar

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