No regrets, says Hindu Mahasabha leader arrested for 'killing' Gandhi
What's the story
Pooja Shakun Pandey, the Hindu Mahasabha leader, who recreated Mahatma Gandhi's assassination on January 30 by shooting at his effigy, was arrested early on Wednesday, a TOI report claimed. She was arrested from Tappal area, Aligarh SSP Aakash Kulhari confirmed to the daily. Pooja's husband Ashok was also taken into custody. Speaking to reporters after her arrest, Pooja said she didn't regret her actions.
Twitter Post
Exercised our constitutional rights, says Pooja
Aligarh: Hindu Mahasabha’s Pooja Pandeyher husband Ashok Pandey produced before local court. They were arrested from Tappal for recreating Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Pooja Pandey says, "No regrets. We have not committed any crime. We have used our Constitutional right." pic.twitter.com/y02DmO3iNh
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 6, 2019
Context
Backstory: Hindu Mahasabha recreated Gandhi's assassination, praised Godse
The right-wing outfit, notorious for celebrating Shaurya Diwas on Gandhi's death anniversary, touched a new low this year. Pooja and her group members recreated his assassination and raised slogans praising Nathuram Godse, his assassin. She also paid obeisance to Godse and distributed sweets. Notably, Hindu Mahasabha holds Gandhi 'responsible' for the partition of 1947 which led to 'deaths of millions of Hindus'.
Action
Subsequently, police swung to action, registered a case
The video, which showed an unapologetic Pooja pulling the trigger, was widely condemned. Soon police acted and a case was registered against several people, including Pooja. The FIR was registered under IPC Sections 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 295 A (Deliberate act intended to outrage feelings) and 153A (promoting enmity). Earlier, seven activists were arrested in the case.
The leader
Previously, Pooja had threatened Gandhi's followers
Notably, this isn't the first time Pooja made it to headlines due to her atrocious behavior. In August 2018, she allegedly threatened to shoot all Gandhi's followers if they embarked on his path. She even said she would have shot Gandhi had she been born before Godse. This time around Pooja felt proud she started a 'tradition' akin to Ravana Dahan in Dusshera.
Information
Meanwhile, two Hindu Mahasabha members are still absconding
Out of the seven activists who were arrested, three were granted bail by a local court. Two members, who were booked, are still absconding.