The three Muslim Congress activists who were arrested over allegations of raising pro-Pakistani slogans in the Karnataka Assembly have been granted bail by a Bengaluru court after the Forensic Science Laboratory report suggested that, prima facie, the video had been doctored.
The accused persons, Mohammad Nashipudi from Haveri district, Munawwar Ahmed from Bengaluru, and Mohammad Iltaz from Delhi, were granted bail by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate V Vijith.
As part of the conditions for their release, the court has instructed them to furnish a bond of ₹1 lakh each and provide two sureties. Additionally, they are prohibited from leaving the country and must attend court proceedings regularly.
The arrests had been made by the Bengaluru Police on March 4, following allegations of shouting pro-Pakistan slogans in the Assembly on February 27. The police had based their action on a forensic report, circumstantial evidence, and witness statements gathered during the event.
During the court proceedings, the counsel for the accused argued that the police had failed to issue any prior notice under Section 41 of the Code of Criminal Procedure before their arrest.
The controversy arose when Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar shared a video purportedly showing the pro-Pakistan slogans being shouted in the Assembly after the election of Congress MP Syed Nasir Hussain to the Rajya Sabha. However, another video shared on social media by Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala depicted individuals chanting in support of Hussain and the Congress party.
Reacting to the development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier stated that "strict action" would be taken if the Forensic Science Laboratory report confirmed the occurrence of pro-Pakistan slogans in the Assembly.