FIRs against BJP in CD episode, against Azam on speech

Lucknow, Apr 5 (UNI) Taking serious note of the alleged efforts to create communal hatred ahead of elections, police today lodged a FIR against BJP in the state capital, on the directives of the Election Commission.

Lucknow police on the directive of the EC, filed an FIR under section 295(A), 298,505,153(A),153(B)of the Indian Penal Code and section 125 of the RP Act against BJP and others for trying to spread communal hatred and to create communal tension by releasing an audio-visual CD, which allegedly contained objectionable material, during its campaign for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

However,the CD has already been withdrawn by the party, which has tendered an apology for the entire episode.

Case No 228/07 against BJP leaders and workers was registered at Hazratganj Police Station here after preliminary examination of the CD suggested a prima facie conspiracy by the party.

State additional CEO Mritunjay Narain here said the case was lodged by Inspector, Hazratganj on the directive of the EC. He said EC was still examining the CD hence no BJP leader has been named in the FIR .

There is a provision of three years' imprisonment and fine under section 125 of the RP Act.

An FIR has also been registered against state Urban Development minister Md Azam Khan in Ferozabad yesterday following his provocative speech during his public meeting under Rashulpur police station on April 3.

Mr Narain said after going through the video-recording of the speech of Mr Khan, a case was registered under section 188 of the IPC.

UNI