Atishi video controversy: Delhi Assembly seeks replies from Punjab Police officials by Feb 12
PTC Web Desk: The Delhi Assembly Secretariat has issued notices to senior Punjab government and police officials, asking them to submit their responses before the Committee of Privileges by February 12 in connection with an FIR linked to a purported video involving Delhi Opposition leader Atishi.
According to official communication released on Thursday, notices have been sent to Alok Shekhar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home-II), Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, and Jalandhar Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur. They have been directed to explain the circumstances under which an FIR was registered over the alleged video.
The development follows a preliminary finding by the Delhi Assembly Speaker, who observed that there appears to be a prima facie case of breach of privilege and defamation against senior Punjab Police officials. The matter is related to alleged remarks about Sikh Gurus attributed to Atishi, which triggered legal action in Punjab.
Sources familiar with the proceedings said the Speaker arrived at this conclusion after reviewing the conduct of the police officials, their responses and their refusal to share certain documents sought by the Assembly. The Speaker subsequently referred the issue to the Committee of Privileges for a detailed examination.
The complaint, dated February 2, was filed by Delhi government’s Law and Justice Minister Kapil Mishra, seeking scrutiny of the police action initiated against Atishi. The Secretariat has noted that despite earlier requests, some key documents and information have not yet been provided, even though the Punjab DGP had forwarded certain communications on January 28.
The officials have now been asked to submit the remaining documents along with written explanations by February 12. The Committee of Privileges is expected to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and submit its report to the Delhi Assembly in line with the Speaker’s directions.
- With inputs from agencies
