New Delhi: There is high drama over the arrest of BJP leader Tajinder Bagga from Delhi this morning by the Punjab Police. The police taking Bagga to Mohali has been stopped in Haryana.
BJP is calling it AAP’s witch hunt because Bagga was critical of Delhi CM and AAP’s national convener Arvind Kajriwal.
Here’s a look at how Friday morning’s events unfolded:
Friday morning arrest
Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) national secretary Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (36) was arrested by the Punjab Police from his residence in Delhi on Friday.
Around 50 cops came in 10-12 vehicles to arrest Bagga from his residence.
However, while taking Bagga to Mohali by road, the team was stopped by the Haryana Police near Kurukshetra.
delhi police kidnapping case
Questions have been raised on the manner of arrest of Tajinder Bagga.
The Delhi Police, which is under the Union Home Ministry, registered a kidnapping case based on a complaint by Bagga’s father that some people came to his house in Delhi’s Janakpuri around 8 am and took away his son.
Preetpal Singh Bagga, Father Tajinder Pal Bagga.
The Punjab Police, however, said that Bagga, 36, was arrested from his residence in Delhi’s Janakpuri after due process of law.
Punjab Police said in a statement, “On Friday morning, following due process of law, the accused has been arrested from his house in Janakpuri, New Delhi. He is being brought to Punjab and will be produced before the court.” ”
‘Arrested for not joining the investigation’
Last month, the Punjab Police registered a case against Bagga for making provocative statements, promoting enmity and making criminal intimidation. A case has been registered on the complaint of Mohali resident AAP leader Sunny Ahluwalia.
The Punjab Police claimed that despite being served five notices, he did not join the investigation.
“Five notices were served to the accused under Section 41A CrPC to appear and join the investigation. The notices dated 9th April, 11th, 15th, 22nd and 28th April were duly acted upon. Despite this, the accused Willfully did not join the investigation.” The statement said.
The FIR against Bagga was registered under relevant IPC sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place etc.), 505 (Whoever makes statement, rumor or report). is, publishes or transmits) and 506 (criminal intimidation).
Bagga has been attacking Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his remarks on ‘The Kashmir Files’.
politics on arrest
The BJP has said that Bagga was illegally arrested from Delhi by the Punjab Police. The party cited a Delhi High Court ruling that held that an arrest could not be made without informing the local police, and alleged procedural loopholes.
Party MP Tejashwi Surya tweeted, “BJYM will do everything in its capacity to bring Bagga back to safety and freedom.”
BJP workers protested against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Police outside Janakpuri police station.
AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj, however, defended the action of Punjab Police.
He said, “Tajinder Bagga tweeted to incite violence in Punjab. This means BJP leaders in Delhi are trying to spread communal violence in Punjab. Punjab Police is working to maintain peace in the state. Delhi Police and Haryana Police is trying to save such goons.”
(with agency input)