Late-night drama gripped Lucknow's Hazratganj area on Saturday when activist and folk singer Neha Singh Rathore arrived at the local police station with her husband to record her statement regarding a First Information Report (FIR) filed against her.
Unexpected Arrival Creates Flutter
Neha Singh Rathore reached the Hazratganj police station around 9:30 PM, an unusual time for such procedures. Her unexpected appearance caused a significant stir, attracting media personnel and prompting senior police officials to rush to the spot. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Hazratganj, Vikas Jaiswal, confirmed that Rathore arrived voluntarily. However, he highlighted a crucial legal point.
Legal Hurdle in Night-Time Statement Recording
ACP Vikas Jaiswal clarified that under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), there is no legal provision to record a woman's statement during night hours. Consequently, while she was present, her detailed statement could not be formally recorded as per the new code. The Investigating Officer (IO) of the case did interact with her. "She will be called again during daytime if needed," the ACP stated, indicating the procedural delay.
Background of the FIR and Notices
The controversy stems from an FIR registered back in April this year. The case was filed following a dispute over Rathore's song and several social media posts. Authorities interpreted these posts as targeting the Prime Minister and questioning the government's response to terrorism. A separate complaint at Hazratganj police station alleged that her content promoted enmity between different communities and posed a threat to national integrity.
The police had initially issued a notice to Rathore approximately 15 days ago, summoning her for questioning. At that time, she sought more time, citing health reasons. With no compliance, a second notice was served just a day before the incident, on Friday. This notice was reportedly pasted at her residence. Speaking to reporters outside the police station, her husband, Himanshu Singh, explained their decision to appear. He said they chose to comply after receiving the second notice from the authorities.
Key Points of the Incident
- Who: Activist and folk singer Neha Singh Rathore, accompanied by husband Himanshu Singh.
- Where: Hazratganj police station, Lucknow.
- When: Saturday night, around 9:30 PM.
- Why: To record a statement in connection with an FIR from April.
- Legal Snag: BNSS does not permit recording a woman's statement at night.
- Next Step: Police may call her again during daytime hours.
The event underscores the ongoing legal scrutiny surrounding Rathore's expressive work and the procedural nuances introduced by the new criminal code, setting a precedent for similar interactions between citizens and law enforcement.
