Hate Speech: Relief for BJP leader Varun Gandhi

Lucknow, Feb 27: It must be a great relief for Bharatiya Janata Party (

) leader

who has been acquitted in one of the two

cases.

A court in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, Feb 27 exonerated Varun Gandhi who during his election campaign at his constituency of Pilibhit in 2009 allegedly had made hate speeches.

The BJP leader was charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the People's Representation Act for promoting enmity and acts prejudicial against communal harmony.

Varun Gandhi was arrested and later was released from jail after spending 19 days behind bar. The second case against him is scheduled to be heard on Friday, Mar 1.

According to sources, the court acquitted Gandhi when 51 witnesses failed to submit any evidences and statements which could implicate the BJP leader.

Meanwhile, an activist, who has been identified as Abdul Qayoom, raised questions on police investigation into the case. Qayoom asserted that a deeper probe is needed and Gandhi's voice sample should be shared.

The court decision of acquitting Gandhi surfaced at a time when another accused of hate speech Akbaruddin Owaisi faces numerous cases. Recently, the MIM MLA was released from the jail.

Owaisi was arrested by police on January 8 for making a controversial speech against a particular community at Nirmal on December 22. He was also booked for delivering hate speech at Nizamabad on Dec 8.

OneIndia News