Farmers Movement Archive

FIR against Tikait for ‘offensive remarks’

PALWAL: Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait has been booked by Haryana police for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Brahmins by his remarks during a speech at the Atoha protest site in Palwal. A purported video of Tikait’s address to farmers had surfaced on social media, in which he allegedly said temples and pandits were not ‘giving enough support’ to the ongoing agitation and none had come forward to even provide tea to them. The speech, allegedly made on December 24, upset Brahmin groups in Palwal. They organised a panchayat, following which a complaint was lodged on December 26 at the Sadar police station by Dharmchand Sharma, the district president of Zila Brahmin Samaj. An FIR was registered on Monday under IPC Section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs). The complainant said that Tikait had adversely affected national integrity and social harmony by using ‘vulgar and indecent language’ against Brahmins. Anand Kumar, SHO, Sadar Police station, said appropriate action will be taken after an investigation. Tikait clarified that his remarks were not directed at any community. “By referring to Brahmins, I actually meant the ones who manage the trust of the temples. My statement was misconstrued and twisted. I have high regard for Brahmins,” he said. The controversy, he added, was “unwarranted and uncalled for”. “But now that an FIR has been lodged, I will contest it legally within the ambit of the law,” said Tikait. Tikait, also BKU’s national spokesperson, is spearheading the agitation at UP Gate in Ghaziabad against the farm laws. (With inputs from Abhijay Jha in Ghaziabad)

The Times of India

2020-12-30

Gurgaon