Yahoo Finance Dalit Labour Activist Nodeep Kaur Granted Bail
Dalit labour activist Nodeep Kaur, who was arrested on January 12 from a labourers' protest at Kundli, Delhi-Haryana border point, was today granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in an attempt to murder case. Currently lodged in Haryana’s Karnal jail, Kaur was arrested for allegedly gheraoing an industrial unit and demanding money from the company.
According to media reports, the Bench of Justice Avneesh Jhingan granted her bail while hearing her bail plea and a suo moto registered in connection with her matter. However, with regard to allegations of her illegal detention, the matter will continue to be heard by the court.
The 23-year-old activist is facing charges of attempt to murder and extortion. A member of the Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan, Kaur had joined the protest against the Centre’s new farm laws at Delhi's borders at the beginning of this year.
A team of police personnel was allegedly attacked with sticks when they reached the site and according to officials, some had even suffered injuries.Ever since her arrest from the Singhu border, well known personalities, both in India and abroad have batted for her release.Kaur had also accused the police of sexual assault under custody, but the allegation was denied by authorities.
However, a recent medical report of labour rights activist Shiv Kumar, a co-accused in FIRs registered against Kaur, found two fractures on his hand and foot and broken nailbeds on his toe.
The medical examination conducted last week by a panel of five doctors of the Chandigarh-based Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32 on directions of the Punjab and Haryana high court listed a total of seven injuries, of which two were termed “grievous” caused by a “blunt object”.
Earlier, Kaur was reportedly granted bail in two cases lodged against her alleged extortion. However, she continued to remain in jail in view of her arrest for a third case alleging offences under Section 307 (attempt to murder), Section 146 (rioting), and Section 353 (assault to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty) of the Indian Penal Code. With the High Court granting bail in this third case today, Kaur can now be released from jail.
(Edited by Amrita Ghosh)
