Photo: Siasat Daily
Bengaluru: An FIR registered against a young woman for allegedly displaying posters in support of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam during a NEET protest at Bengaluru's Freedom Park has triggered a political controversy, with the BJP demanding strict action and Congress leaders urging that the investigation be allowed to proceed before conclusions are drawn.
The Upparpet Police registered the case based on a complaint filed by a woman police officer who was on security duty during the protest. The FIR invokes provisions related to acts allegedly intended to provoke unrest, and the investigation is ongoing.
According to the police, the woman allegedly displayed placards expressing support for Khalid and Imam, both of whom are facing prosecution in connection with the 2020 northeast Delhi riots case. One of the placards reportedly carried the slogan "Ukhad Le BLR Police," which officers considered objectionable.
Police personnel removed the posters to prevent any disturbance. Several participants in the protest reportedly distanced themselves from the act and asked the woman to leave the venue. Investigators later examined photographs, videos and witness statements before registering the FIR, Siasat Daily reported.
Reacting to the incident, Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra welcomed the police action and alleged that attempts had been made to divert a genuine student movement for political purposes. He said the protest was organised to seek justice for NEET aspirants, but claimed that the display of posters supporting individuals accused in a serious criminal case had shifted the focus of the agitation. He called for those responsible to be identified and dealt with in accordance with the law.
Congress MLC B.K. Hariprasad, however, said the law should be allowed to take its course. He questioned the objection to displaying posters supporting Umar Khalid, pointing out that charges had not been framed against him even after several years.
Responding to the controversy, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the police were functioning independently and that the government would not interfere in the investigation. He said the case had been registered based on the complaint and available evidence, adding that anyone found to have violated the law would face appropriate legal action.
In a post on X, Kharge questioned why Umar Khalid's trial had not commenced despite the passage of nearly six years and asked why charges had not yet been framed. He accused the Union government of failing to conduct the trial and criticised the BJP and the RSS over issues relating to nationalism. He also asserted that the Bengaluru and Karnataka Police functioned independently and were not comparable to the Delhi Police.
Speaking to Siasat.com, Upparpet Assistant Commissioner of Police B. Deepak said investigators were trying to determine whether the posters had been prepared independently or supplied by any organisation, adding that the probe was continuing.