New Delhi: In the midst of severe criticism for slapping sedition charges on JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, the Delhi Police on Wednesday said that they will not oppose if he applies for bail.
Speaking to the reporters, Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi said, "I am not giving Kanhaiya Kumar a clean chit but if he applies for bail we are not going to oppose it."
On February 12, Kanhaiya was arrested by the Delhi police on sedition charges after he was reportedly found associated with an event (held on February 9) in JNU campus where they condemned 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru's hanging.
There was a chaos at Patiala House court complex during Kanhaiya's production. He was reportedly beaten up by some lawyers despite being escorted by a team of policemen. A medical team from Ram Manohar Lohia hospital was rushed to the court to examine Kanhaiya's health.
Later, during the hearing he was sent to judicial custody at Tihar Jail till March 2. Sources said that Kanhiya has identified two lawyers who attacked him in the court premises and possible action against the attackers is likely to be initiated soon.
Reacting over assault on Kanhaiya in front of policemen, Bassi said, "There was lot of jostling when Kanhaiya was brought to the court. Even our officers faced difficulties as they have to wade through a strong crowd keeping Kanhaiya's security in mind. Our officers gave him full security cover and our strategy was not to use force as our officers were in court premises."
On the context of controversy over Kanhaiya's arrest, the Police Commissioner said, "If any panel finds me guilty, I have the option to defend myself and I will use it.
"We have issued summons to three lawyers and BJP MLA OP Sharma in connection with assault on journalists, which happened on Tuesday," he added.
In the evening Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Bassi and Home Secretary and sought a report on Patiala House court scuffle.
Meanwhile, Kanhaiya issued a statement which reads, "I would like to appeal all students union and organizations to maintain peace. I am an Indian and I don’t support anti national activity. I condemn the February 9 event, which happed at JNU."
"I believe in integrity and unity of the country. I saw the video and would like to say that some people from JNU and a section of outsiders were raising slogans (anti-national). I have full faith in Constitution and I condemn such event. I believe in integrity and unity of the country," his statement reads.
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