Five denied bail for hurting religious sentiments

Legal Correspondent

Ludhiana, July 20

The court of Additional Sessions Judge KK Jain has dismissed the anticipatory bail applications of five youths facing accusations of hurting religious sentiments.

These five accused were allegedly seen raising religious slogans while consuming and serving liquor in a birthday party, which went viral on social media.

Those denied anticipatory bail include Jai Kishen Bedi, Rajan Sharma, Gaurav Gupta, Janis, Aman Monga of Ludhiana. However, one of the accused Gagandeep Singh, who was arrested by the police a few days ago, has been granted bail. A case under Section 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class) was registered against them at the division number 2 police station in Ludhiana.

The police have registered a case on the complaint of a resident of Ayali Kalan. In his statement, the complainant alleged that these persons were organising a party to mark the birthday celebrations of one of them. He alleged that they were raising religious slogans while drinking liquor in the videos. He said the accused hurt religious sentiments of the members of the Sikh community.

Members of various Sikh organisations had also staged a protest on Jagraon Bridge by blocking traffic for more than four hours. However, another video clip had also gone viral, in which the accused had tendered an apology.