New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday granted interim protection from arrest to gangster-turned-activist Lakha Sidhana in connection with his alleged involvement in violence which ensued at the Red Fort here on Republic Day. On January 26, protesting farmers had clashed with police during their tractor rally and stormed into the Red Fort, hoisting religious flags on its domes and injuring scores of policemen.
Fearing arrest, Sidhana moved Delhi's Tis Hazari court seeking anticipatory bail in the case, with his counsel asserting that he has no role to play in the incident. Additional Sessions Judge Neelofer Abida Perveen posted the matter for July 3 and directed the police to not arrest him until then. This came after the police sought more time to make submissions on his pre-arrest bail plea.
Sidhana had earlier denied involvement in the Republic Day violence. Several cases had been registered against him in Punjab and he was jailed many times. He had also unsuccessfully contested the 2012 state assembly polls.
There are multiple dimensions to the reactions on the violence at the Red Fort. These reactions are coming from different directions. The manner in which the violence unfolded at the Red Fort during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26 has surprised all including farmer leaders and unions, who were busy ensuring that their tractor rally passes off peacefully.
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Many claim that the farmer agitation, which has been going on for almost two months now, has been hurt due to the incident at the Red Fort. The name of all the people, accused of fomenting violence, is coming out and one of the names, which has come out so prominently is of Lakha Sidhana, a resident of Punjab. Lakha Sidhana has been named in the world of crime as well and later he tried his hand in politics and then joined the farmer’s protest while doing social service.
It is worth mentioning that Lakha Sidhana is a resident of Bathinda, Punjab. In his early days, he was a good player of Kabaddi. According to information, he has also studied well and is a Post Graduate. Lakha Sidhana has also been charged with serious crimes like murder, attempt to murder. According to the information, a case has also been registered against him under the Arms Act and for all these cases, he has been sentenced for several years but due to lack of evidence in most of the cases he has been acquitted.
Read: Delhi riots: Man accused of murder gets bail, asked to maintain peace in locality
PTI
