NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police informed a Delhi court on Thursday that no cognisable offence is made out to register an FIR against chief minister Rekha Gupta over her alleged remarks comparing government officials to Lord Hanuman.
The complainant, Ram Niwas Sharma, contended that the remarks warranted registration of an FIR and sought action against the chief minister. During the last hearing on October 3, a Delhi court sought an action taken report from police.
The unedited video demonstrates that the chief minister was actually praising the commitment, dedication, and working spirit of Delhi government employees, comparing them positively to Lord Hanuman, according to police. “The speech reflected utmost respect for Lord Hanuman, noting that they were gathered at His gateway near Marghat Waale Baba and invoking His blessings for the success of the new transport initiatives,” police said. The police report further noted that the complainant had “selectively omitted certain words and portions” with the deliberate intention of altering the context. Furthermore, police emphasised that “no person in attendance raised any immediate objection or felt their religious sentiments were outraged”. Terming the legal action an “orchestrated political vendetta” aimed at gaining media coverage and political advantage, police noted that Section 299 of the BNS strictly requires a “deliberate and malicious intention” to outrage religious feelings, which was entirely missing in this context.
In a status report submitted before additional chief judicial magistrate Ashwini Panwar of Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday, the Delhi Police said it obtained and thoroughly scrutinised the complete official video recording and transcript of the event.
