Red Fort violence: Deep Sidhu sent to 14-day judicial custody

A Delhi court on Tuesday sent actor-activist Deep Sidhu, arrested in connection with Red Fort violence on Republic Day, to 14-day judicial custody. He was arrested for his involvement during the clashes on January 26 in the farmers' tractor parade against the Centre's three new agri laws.

Sidhu was previously sent to police custody on February 16 after extension of his custodial interrogation. The police officials said it was required for further investigation and to identify other accused persons in the case.

He is facing charges of rioting, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, dacoity, culpable homicide among various other sections of Indian Penal Code.

Accusing him as one of the main rioters, the police had said, "He was instigating the crowd. He was also one of the main rioters. Several social media accounts need to be searched to identify the co-conspirators."

The police had also claimed that there are videos where Sidhu can be seen at the site of the incident.

"He can be seen coming out with the person who hoisted the flag and congratulating him. He came out and gave speeches in loud hailers and provoked the crowd there. He was the main instigator. He instigated the crowd due to which violence occurred. Several policemen were injured in the violence," they had said.

"Also his permanent address is given as Nagpur but several places need to be visited in Punjab and Haryana to unearth further details," the police had told the court.

The court had on February 9 sent Sidhu to police custody for seven days after the police alleged he was one of the main instigators of the violent incidents at the Red Fort.

Sidhu's lawyers, however, claimed he had nothing to do with the violence and was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Sidhu has been arrested for several offences under the Indian Penal Code including rioting (147 and 148), unlawful assembly (149), attempt to murder (120-B), criminal conspiracy (120-B), assaulting or obstructing public servant (152), dacoity (395), culpable homicide (308) and disobedience to order promulgated by public servant (188).

He has also been arrested under sections of the Arms Act, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.

The police had announced a cash reward of ₹1 lakh for information leading to Sidhu's arrest.