Charges framed against 10 AAP leaders for scuffles with cops, violating DM’s orders

The case dates back to February 12, 2023, when a large number of AAP leaders and workers gathered outside the Punjab BJP office in Sector 37, Chandigarh, to stage a protest. The demonstrators alleged that the Central government was favouring industrialist Gautam Adani’s companies and raised slogans against the government.

Anticipating the protest, the Chandigarh Administration had deployed a heavy police force at the site and imposed Section 144 of the CrPC, prohibiting unlawful assembly. Despite this, the protesters allegedly attempted to break through police barricades and move ahead, leading to a confrontation with the police.

According to the prosecution, the protest soon turned violent as clashes broke out between AAP leaders and the police. Several leaders and police personnel were reportedly injured during the incident. Police claimed that some protesters indulged in physical assault on policemen, pushed them, and even pelted stones, forcing the police to use water cannons to disperse the crowd.

Following the incident, the Sector 39 police station registered an FIR against the AAP leaders on charges of obstructing government officials from performing their duties, assaulting police personnel, and violating prohibitory orders issued by the District Magistrate.

After examining the case records and hearing arguments from both sides, the Chandigarh District Court found sufficient grounds to frame charges against the accused leaders.

The trial is set to formally commence from January 17, nearly three years after the incident.

A detailed order of the court is, however, awaited.