Daijiworld Media Network - Dehradun

Dehradun, Sep 8: Nainital Police on Tuesday registered an FIR against unknown persons over an alleged 'shuddhikaran' (purification) ritual conducted at a venue in Haldwani following an event addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on August 8.

A Zero FIR had earlier been registered in Bengaluru in connection with the allegation.

Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manjunath T.C. said police had received complaints and applications from various organisations, individuals and groups across Uttarakhand. More than 19 applications were received in Nainital district alone, he said.

"All of these were being legally examined. Accordingly, a case has been registered based on the formal written complaint of Anju, who was the first one to submit a complaint in this matter," the SSP said.

He said the complainant is a local resident of Haldwani and had sought action over the alleged incident.

"Following a legal examination and legal review, an FIR has now been registered under relevant sections at the Haldwani Kotwali based on Anju's complaint," he added.

Given the sensitive nature of the case, IPS officer Jagdish Chandra has been assigned to investigate the matter, the SSP said.

The FIR has been registered against unknown persons in connection with the alleged purification ritual at Ramlila Maidan, where the event was held.

### Complainant denies ‘jihadi slogans’ claim

Advocate Anju, who filed the complaint, rejected claims by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that the alleged purification ritual was carried out in response to "jihadi slogans".

"I was also present there that day to listen to Mallikarjun Kharge's speech. Nothing of that sort happened. Some people, in order to serve their political interests, are posting edited videos and deceptive facts on social media. I haven't named anyone in the FIR, nor do I have any personal enmity with anyone," she said.

Anju alleged that misleading videos were being circulated on social media in an attempt to disturb social harmony.

She said she approached the police on August 15 after seeing videos in which a person was allegedly targeted and a purification ritual shown being carried out against Kharge.

"An FIR has now finally been lodged based on it," she said.

According to Anju, the case has been registered under the SC/ST Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

She urged the police to conduct a fair and impartial investigation.

"Whoever made these edited videos or engaged in such things, trying to show someone down, belittling someone, or smearing someone's social image—is indulging in unconstitutional acts," she said.

Anju said that although the FIR currently names unknown persons, their identities would be included in the chargesheet after the investigation is completed.

"If I am not satisfied with the probe, I will approach the court," she added.