Karnataka: FIR Over Protest Placards

Police have registered an FIR against an unidentified woman for allegedly displaying placards carrying slogans in support of jailed activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who are facing charges in the 2020 Delhi riots case, during a student protest at Freedom Park here, officials said. According to the complaint lodged by a police sub-inspector deployed on bandobast duty, the incident took place between 5 pm and 5.30 pm on Friday while a large gathering of protesters was raising slogans.

The officer alleged that she noticed a young woman holding placards bearing the slogans “Umar Khalid Zindabad”, “Sharjeel Imam Zindabad” and “Ukhaad Le BLR Police”.

The complainant said she attempted to make her way through the crowd and seize the placards, but other protesters allegedly concealed them before she could reach the woman.

A search of the immediate area did not yield the placards because of the large number of people present, the complaint said.

“Subsequently, CCTV footage from Freedom Park and recordings from cameras carried by personnel deployed on camera duty were examined. During the review, it was found that an unidentified young woman had deliberately displayed provocative placards with the intention of inciting unrest and disturbing public peace,” the complaint said.

“Accordingly, a complaint has been submitted seeking legal action against the unidentified young woman for intentionally displaying provocative placards during a peaceful protest,” it added.

The protest, organised by student groups, was attended by around 1,000 to 1,500 people, including members of various student organisations. The demonstrators were protesting against the alleged police lathi charge on students in Delhi and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

A case has been registered under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and further investigation is underway, police said.