FIR Registered Against UP Congress President for Alleged Defamatory Speech
In a significant development in Lucknow, an FIR was officially registered against Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai at the Sarojininagar police station on Thursday. The legal action stems from allegations that Rai made defamatory remarks targeting local BJP MLA Rajeshwar Singh during a public event earlier this month.
Complaint Details and Allegations
The complaint was formally filed by BJP leader Shivshankar Singh, also known as Shankari, on Friday. According to the police report, Shankari accused Rai of delivering false, defamatory, and provocative statements against MLA Rajeshwar Singh at a 'Samvidhan Samvad Mahapanchayat' held on February 1. The event took place at Natkur Tiraha on the Gauri-Bijnor Road in Lucknow.
Specific allegations in the complaint include:
- Rai allegedly accused the BJP MLA of "looting the country and Lucknow," claims which the complainant has labeled as entirely baseless and without evidence.
- The speech was reportedly recorded and subsequently circulated widely on various social media platforms, amplifying its reach and potential impact.
Social Media Circulation and Legal Concerns
Shankari further detailed in the complaint that the video of the speech was uploaded from a Facebook account under the name 'Rudradaman Singh.' This video allegedly garnered over 25,000 views, raising serious apprehensions among authorities and the complainant.
The primary concerns highlighted include:
- Potential disturbance to public peace and tranquility in the region.
- Risk of escalation in political tensions between the opposing parties.
- Possible creation of a law-and-order situation due to the inflammatory nature of the content.
Additionally, the complaint alleges criminal conspiracy and common intent among all individuals involved in delivering, recording, and circulating the speech. This suggests a coordinated effort to spread the defamatory material, according to the FIR.
Police Response and Legal Charges
Additional DCP Vasanth Kumar confirmed that the FIR has been registered against UP Congress chief Ajay Rai. The charges cited in the FIR relate to the circulation of false information with the intent to cause alarm and breach of peace. This legal step underscores the authorities' focus on maintaining public order and addressing content that could incite unrest.
The case is now under investigation, with police likely to examine the video evidence and statements from involved parties. This incident highlights the ongoing political friction in Uttar Pradesh and the legal ramifications of public speeches in the digital age, where content can quickly go viral and influence public sentiment.
