Deepali Kalia –
Interim protection from arrest till July 3rd was granted to Lakha Sidhana, “gangster turned activist” on June 26th by a Delhi Court.
The protection was granted by a Sessions Judge at Tis Hazari Court while hearing the anticipatory bail application moved by Sidhana, who is wanted by the Delhi Police for his alleged involvement in the violence that broke out on Republic Day.
In connection with the violence that transpired at Red Fort on Republic Day, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police registered an FIR under the following Sections: 147, 148, 149, 152, 186, 353, 332, 307, 308, 395, 397, 427 and 188 of the Indian Penal Code read with Section 25, 27, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act, 1959 and Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984.
Earlier, Delhi Police had announced a reward of Rs1 lakh for any information regarding Sidhana’s location.
The Counsel appearing on behalf of Sidhana submitted that Sidhana wasn’t involved in the Red Fort incident and that Police has also admitted that Sidhana never entered the Red Fort on 26th January 2021.
Delhi Police, thereafter, sought time to make submissions before the Court in the concerned matter and consequently, the Court adjourned the matter till July 3rd.