Date:14/02/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/14/stories/2003021405071100.htm

National

Raja Bhaiyya remanded to 30 days judicial custody

KANPUR FEB. 13. The designated POTA court today remanded the rebel Uttar Pradesh legislator, Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiyya, his father and cousin to 30 days judicial custody under the case filed against them under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).

The District Judge, Shailendra Kumar Saxena, who is also the presiding officer in the designated court, directed the police to produce them before the court on March 13 next.

During the period of judicial custody, the three would continue to remain lodged in the district jails in Banda, Pratapgarh and Mirzapur respectively. The three were brought and produced before the court amid tight security.

The court premises were cordoned off by police, the PAC and the Rapid Action Force personnel.

Six scribes injured

At least six mediapersons sustained injuries in police caning outside the court premises.

Reports said two of the injured were rushed to the hospital.

The incident took place when the police prevented the media from talking to Raja Bhaiyya and the two other accused.

In the process, the media crew and police clashed as the latter dragged away reporters and photographers, including woman journalists.

Sources claimed that the police used batons to push back the reporters, who were trying to get quotes from Raja Bhaiyya, while the police was escorting him after the hearing.

Later, a delegation of journalists met District Judge, Shailendra Saxena, and submitted a memorandum to protest the police brutality. Mr. Saxena assured remedial action in the matter.

The Senior Superintendent of Police, M.K. Basal, also promised an inquiry into the incident.

— UNI