Shashi Tharoor, six journalists booked for sedition in Uttar Pradesh
What's the story
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and six journalists have been booked by the Noida Police for sedition, among other charges, over the violence during farmers' tractor rally in Delhi.
The FIR was lodged at Sector 20 Police station following a complaint by a resident who alleged that digital broadcast and social media posts by these people were responsible for the violence during the tractor rally.
Information
Rajdeep Sardesai, Mrinal Pande have been named in the FIR
Journalists named in the FIR include Mrinal Pande, Rajdeep Sardesai, Vinod Jose, Zafar Agha, Paresh Nath, and Anant Nath. An unidentified person has also been named in the FIR. "Yes, the FIR has been lodged," a senior Noida Police officer confirmed.
Criminal charges
Booked under IPC Sections 124A, 295A, among others
The FIR has been lodged under Indian Penal Code Sections 124A (sedition), 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506 (criminal intimidation), 120B (criminal conspiracy), among others.
They have also been booked under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.
Context
Details about the January 26 violence during tractor rally
The Noida Police have begun an investigation into the matter.
On January 26, thousands of protesting farmers clashed with the police during the tractor rally called by farmer unions to highlight their demand for the repeal of the Centre's three farm laws.
Many of the protesters, driving tractors entered Red Fort and hoisted religious flags where the national flag is unfurled on Independence Day.