Circumstances have changed, Kanhaiya Kumar may influence JNU probe: BS Bassi on why police opposed his bail

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Tuesday did a U-turn in court and opposed the bail plea of Kanhaiya Kumar, president of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) who has been booked for sedition in connection with raising of anti-India slogans inside the university campus.

Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi, who had earlier said that Kanhaiya's bail plea will not be opposed, today said circumstances have changed which forced the police to amend its position.

“Kanhaiya Kumar did show some repentance earlier. He had made an appeal (for peace and said he doesn't support anti-India slogans) but now he has denied making that appeal.

 

“The circumstances have changed. If Kanhaiya comes out on bail he is bound to influence the investigation and witnesses. That is why we have opposed his bail,” Bassi told reporters here.

Speaking on the five JNU students who have also been booked for sedition but have evaded arrest till now, the Delhi top cop said, “We are doing all that is necessary to arrest those wanted by police.”

 

“We do expect the (JNU) management to persuade them and bring them to us,” he said further, adding, “Since there is no imminent threat to life and property, so we are working carefully, our tactics are dynamic.”

Bassi had a word of caution for the students facing sedition charge, including Umar Khalid: “They (students) should not misuse the sanctity of an educational institution.”

Taking up Kanhaiya's bail plea, the Delhi High Court today issued notice to the Delhi Police and asked them to file a status report on the bail plea of Kanhaiya Kumar.

 

Justice Pratibha Rani asked for the status report on the investigation by tomorrow - the next date of hearing.

Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested in a sedition case on February 12 after an event held on the university campus against execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. He allegedly shouting anti-India slogans during the rally.