Chandigarh/Punjab: Punjab Police have registered between 12 to 15 FIRs, naming at least 28 individuals in connection with casteist and provocative social media posts targeting Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, following a shoe-throwing incident in the Supreme Court on October 6.
Among the accused are right-wing influencers Ajeet Bharti, a YouTuber, and Kaushlesh Rai, who heads a news portal. Officials said video clips of the two men discussing the CJI’s remarks about a Hindu idol in September have gone viral and allegedly incited Hindus to act against Gavai. Most of the accused are from outside Punjab and have been booked under non-bailable sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and other laws.
An FIR was also registered in Bengaluru against Rakesh Kishore, the 71-year-old lawyer who attempted to attack the CJI.
AAP Blames BJP: AAP Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, a prominent Dalit leader, accused the BJP and the Central government of fostering a “dangerous anti-Dalit atmosphere” in the country. Speaking at a press conference, Cheema said the attack on the CJI was also an assault on the Supreme Court, the Constitution drafted by BR Ambedkar, and millions of Dalits nationwide.
Cheema added, “AAP will never allow the BJP’s anti-Dalit policies and strategies to succeed. We are formulating a comprehensive legal and social strategy in response to the attack on the Chief Justice.” AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal had earlier demanded that the Centre take legal action against Kishore.
Cheema further said the party plans a widespread campaign to raise awareness about the issue and ensure rigorous legal action against all guilty parties.
Punjab Police Book 28 Accused in FIRs Over Casteist Social Media Posts Targeting CJI BR Gavai
