NEW DELHI: Opposition MPs in the parliamentary standing committee on home affairs on Tuesday appreciated Delhi Police’s handling of violence that broke out during the farmers’ tractor rally here on January 26, even though the ‘sedition’ case against young activist Disha Ravi found no specific mention in discussion by the panel on demands for grants of the home ministry, Delhi Police and Central armed police forces (CAPFs).
TOI has learnt that Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, Ravneet Singh ‘Bittu’, during the meeting of the standing committee chaired by fellow MP Anand Sharma here on Tuesday, praised Delhi Police’s restraint in handling the violent protests. He is said to have observed that while in any other place, violence of such scale would have led to bullets being fired, Delhi Police was restrained and “did good work”, ensuring that there was no loss of life. His view was endorsed by others, including the committee chairperson.
Bittu, incidentally, has been at the forefront of protests against the three farm Bills and had even shouted slogans during the President’s address to joint sitting of Parliament on January 29, to express solidarity with the farmers.
Interestingly, while Disha Ravi’s arrest was not specifically raised at Tuesday’s meeting, Anand Sharma did underline that India being a big country and strong enough to stand up to China, must not be easily overwhelmed or destabilised by comments from one or two persons and avoid over-reacting to issues. He emphasized that fundamental rights of all citizens must be upheld by all the agencies.
Sharma is also said to have pointed out how one is “increasingly” hearing of malware being used to plant evidence in computers and digital devices, in an apparent reference to alleged findings by a US forensic firm in the case against Bhima-Koregaon accused Rona Wilson. Calling this “wrong”, the committee chairperson said evidence against a person must be truthful and upheld by forensic and judicial scrutiny.
The meeting on Tuesday saw the home secretary making a presentation before the panel members on demands for grants of MHA, CAPFs and Delhi Police for 2021-22, followed by discussion.