Punjabi celebrity-turned-activist Deep Sidhu has been arrested on Tuesday, 9 February, by the Delhi Police in connection with the Republic Day violence case, reports ANI.
Earlier, his name had been included in an FIR filed in connection with the violence that ensued at the Red Fort on 26 January, via case diary.
Sidhu had claimed responsibility for hoisting the Nishan Sahib at the iconic Red Fort during Tractor Rally on 26 January. He was seen at the forefront of the farmers’ protest that started in November 2020 against the three farm laws introduced by the Centre.
Punjabi actor Deep Sidhu’s name had been included in an FIR filed in connection with the violence that ensued at Red Fort on 26 January, via case diary. The sources also said, however, that Sidhu has not been named as an accused.
According to reports, gangster-turned-politician and president of the Malwa Youth Federation, Lakha Sidhana has also been named in the FIR.
NDTV had previously quoted the police, saying that Sidhu will be summoned for questioning soon. Farmer leaders have also reportedly accused Sidhu of instigating the clashes and installing a Sikh flag at the Red Fort.
Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav has also told NDTV: “Deep Sidhu was boycotted by Samyukt Kisan Morcha months ago because of his separatist leanings. I condemn hoisting of any flag other than the nation’s at the Red Fort.”
Following the events of the Kisan Republic Day Parade, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) held a meeting on Wednesday, 27 January. The farmers’ body alleged that a ‘dirty conspiracy’ was carried out ‘against the peaceful struggle of farmer organisations’.
A press note released by SKM on Wednesday evening alleged that the government, along with individuals like Deep Sidhu and organisations like Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee led by S Satnam Singh Pannu, had made the movement violent.
As many as 25 FIRs have been filed and 37 farmer leaders have been named by the Delhi Police in connection with the violence during the farmers’ tractor rally on Republic Day.
Source: The Quint
