A Delhi Court on Thursday extended the interim protection from arrest of toolkit case accused Shantanu Muluk in the sedition case lodged against him.
Additional Sessions Judge Dharmendra Rana has granted interim protection from arrest till March 9.
During the course of hearing, Public Prosecutor Irfan Ahmed sought seven days time to file a detailed reply. “I am seeking seven days more time, during the course of interrogation, he is giving contradictory answers,” he said.
Appearing for Muluk, Advocate Vrinda Grover said, “I am being summoned everyday, my protection shall be extended for seven days.”
Following these arguments, the judge said, “Time as prayed for is granted, meanwhile, no coercive action be taken against the applicant accused.”
Yesterday, the court had sought reply from the police over the bail plea filed by Muluk.
The anticipatory bail plea filed by Muluk stated that he has already joined investigation and undertakes to co-operate with the investigation as and when called for.
“Applicant-is not a political person and he has no religious or political goals apart from exhibiting sympathy for farmers. Applicant believes in peaceful protest and condemns any and all violence whatsoever,”
-Shantanu said in his plea.
Muluk further stated that he is absolutely against violence of any sort. “His actions can, in no way, be considered to amount to sedition, to provocation for rioting, or for incitement of hatred between classes or communities,” the plea said.
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Muluk added that he has roots in society. He is a qualified engineer with a good track record in automation. He suffers from hypertension and through the Covid-19 pandemic has been supporting his parents, aged 60 years (father) and 57 years (mother), financially and he also stayed home to support them as it was inadvisable for them to go out, the plea stated.
“He is presently 34 years old and works with Environmental groups as a volunteer and a consultant. His family includes his parents and one sibling. He has absolutely no criminal antecedents. He has absolutely no capacity to influence the investigation or any witnesses,”
-he said.