(Image source from: FIR against Hooda’s aide and Congress leader for ‘flaring up Jat stir’})

An FIR is registered against former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s close aide prof Virender Singh on sedition charges for his alleged involvement in flaring up the Jat agitation. The 90-second clip between Virender and a Khap leader has gone viral on the Internet recently. The FIR is registered on the basis of an audio clip of the telephonic conversation which was released in the section of media recently.

"This is a conspiracy to defame me. It is a doctored tape. I will reply to the notice," Virender Singh said. "The conversation took place during the initial period of the agitation, when there was no violence. In the tape there is not a word inciting violence," said Singh. "When the date of the conversation is revealed, the entire truth will be out," he said.

Rohtak Civil Lines police incharge Sandeep Punia said that Virender Singh has been booked under section 109, 120 (B),124 (A) and 153 (A), 153 (B) and 427 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3 of the Damage to Public Property Act.

Case has been registered on the complaint of a resident of Bhiwani. A master mariner by profession, in his 2 page complaint lodged in the office of Rohtak SSP, had categorically elaborated upon the role of people around ex CM Bhupinder Hooda in general and Professor Virender in Partifcular.

The complaint had elaborated upon as to how the Jat agitations had began and how the politicians and bureaucrats had been playing which had put the rioters out of control as entire machinery has been collapsed.

"Their aim was not to get the reservation, but to dislodge the government for obvious reasons,'' the complainant said.

9 persons have been killed and over 300 are injured as Haryana had come to a total standstill on the account of the agitation for Jat reservation which had turned into the caste violence as well rioting. Rohtak was one of the worst hit place.

A Showcause notice has been served to Singh by the Congress leadership which reads as follows. "It has come to our notice through media and social media that an audio clipping circulated on the evening of February 21, 2016, it has alleged that you are responsible for instigating the protesters to start violent agitation in other districts of the state which were comparatively peaceful and that too with the support of our rival political party namely INLD and their student wing INSO. As you are a member of the Congress party, such outright irresponsible behaviour is not expected from you, therefore, you are directed to reply within three days of receiving this letter. If no reply is received within three days from today, then disciplinary action shall be initiated against you."

By Premji