A Delhi court on Monday reserved its order on the bail plea of independent journalist Mandeep Punia, who had been arrested by the Delhi Police from Singhu border while covering farmers’ protests on Saturday. Advocate Sarim Naved, Akram Khan and Kamran Javed appeared for him.
The public prosecutor opposed his bail plea stating that the accused had claimed that he was a journalist but didn’t show any proof of identification. He also stated that Punia had dragged and assaulted police officers. Punia, through his counsel, said that he was arrested for not showing a press card and there was a delay of seven hours in registration of the FIR.
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Satbir Singh Lamba heard the matter and reserved orders for tomorrow.
In his bail application, Punia stated the alleged FIR was registered at around 1.21 am which was almost seven hours after the alleged incident. He said he was carrying out his journalistic duties and another journalist was also detained with him but he was released around midnight. The only difference was that he wasn’t carrying his press card as he is a freelance journalist and not carrying a press card can be no ground for a case or arrest, he said.
He stated that he is a well-respected person in society and he is not in a position to influence the witnesses as the witnesses are police officials. Further, there is a video evidence which contradicts the FIR, which is anyway in public domain by now. He said he will cooperate with the investigation and he be allowed to be released on bail in this case.
In its reply to the bail application, Delhi Police submitted there was some scuffle at Singhu Border between policemen and group of 10-15 people. Following the scuffle, Captaint Rajkumar felled into a drain. Thereafter, the alleged person was overpowered and caught, he was identified as Mandeep Punia. During investigation, Punia was arrested and information of his arrest was given to his mother through mobile phone.
Delhi Police strongly objected to the bail application and submitted the bail application should be dismissed as he may again indulge in instigating protesters and create nuisance at the protest site with his group. He even tried to break the barricades and scuffled with police personnel deputed on heavy and highly sensitive law and order arrangement.
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Punia was charged for offences under Section 186 (obstructing a public servant while discharging public functions), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and Section 332 (Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty) of the Indian Penal Code.