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Witness in Azam Khan sedition case assaulted, robbed in Badaun
A witness in a sedition case against UP minister Azam Khan was attacked and robbed in Badaun on Wednesday night.
A witness in a sedition case against UP minister Azam Khan was attacked and robbed in Badaun on Wednesday night.
Four unidentified men allegedly assaulted him and snatched a gold chain and some cash from him, police said. The victim lodged a police complaint on Thursday.
According to the police report, the car-borne criminals waylaid and attacked Atul Rastogi, a local BJP leader and a witness in the case, when he was returning home on a bike. Atul alleged in his complaint that the men also threatened to kill him as he was a witness in the sedition case against Azam Khan.
However, cops are buying the story. “Prima facie it appears to be a case of robbery as the victim was manhandled and looted,” said Ajay Kumar Yadav, SO, Civil Lines police station and the investigating officer in the case. “I have formed a team which will record the statement of the witness and submit the report in two days,” he added.
The police have also sought Atul’s medical examination to confirm his allegations.
Reportedly, Atul is one of the 11 witnesses in the sedition case against Azam Khan that is pending in the court of the chief judicial magistrate. Four witnesses, including Atul, have already recorded their statements in the court.
Azam Khan, while addressing a press conference during a protest in Badaun on December 21, 2010 made a controversial statement regarding Kashmir. A sedition case was filed against him by Bajrang Dal leader Ujjawal Gupta.
