Will there be any coercive police action against Padma awardee monk Kartik Maharaj until Monday?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal development, the Murshidabad District Police have pledged not to engage in coercive actions against Kartik Maharaj until July 7, following accusations of a serious crime dating back to 2013. The unfolding of this case raises questions about justice and the timeliness of allegations amidst ongoing protests.
Key Takeaways
- No police actions against Kartik Maharaj until July 7.
- Allegations date back to 2013, but complaint filed in 2023.
- Justice Jay Sengupta is presiding over the case.
- The situation reflects ongoing societal issues regarding sexual violence.
- The case has garnered significant public attention.
Kolkata, July 3 (NationPress) The Murshidabad District Police in West Bengal have confirmed that no coercive measures, including arrest, will be taken against Padma Shree awardee monk Kartik Maharaj until July 7. He is affiliated with the Murshidabad unit of Bharat Sevashram Sangha and has recently faced allegations of raping a woman in 2013.
This commitment was made to the single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, presided over by Justice Jay Sengupta, where Kartik Maharaj filed a petition requesting the cancellation of an FIR registered against him last week.
The case was set for an in-camera hearing on Thursday, but the state government’s counsel opposed this, arguing that Kartik Maharaj's legal representation should clarify the need for such confidentiality.
The court subsequently scheduled the next hearing for July 7, during which police will refrain from any coercive action, including arrest, against Kartik Maharaj.
The allegations of rape and forced abortion reportedly occurred between January and June of 2013, yet the complaint was filed only last week, coinciding with a significant protest in the state regarding the rape of a law student in Kolkata on June 25.
The Nabagram Police Station, under the jurisdiction of the Murshidabad District Police, had summoned Kartik Maharaj to appear for questioning on the morning of July 1. However, he opted to approach Justice Sengupta’s bench instead of attending the police summons.
In his petition, he claims that the police registered the FIR based on a preliminary investigation stemming from a complaint about an incident that allegedly took place 13 years ago.
Kartik Maharaj has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that the police actions are merely attempts to harass him as a monk.
Point of View
It is pivotal to maintain an unbiased perspective. The allegations against Kartik Maharaj highlight the complexities surrounding justice in cases that emerge years later. The legal system must navigate these sensitive matters with care, ensuring both the protection of the accused and the rights of the accuser are upheld. NationPress remains committed to reporting with integrity and depth.
NationPress
03/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against Kartik Maharaj?
Kartik Maharaj has been accused of raping a woman in 2013, with the complaint being filed recently in 2023.
What is the stance of the Murshidabad District Police regarding his arrest?
The Murshidabad District Police have stated that no coercive actions, including arrest, will be taken against Kartik Maharaj until July 7.
Who is Kartik Maharaj?
Kartik Maharaj is a monk associated with the Bharat Sevashram Sangha and a recipient of the Padma Shree award.
What did Justice Jay Sengupta decide?
Justice Jay Sengupta has scheduled the next hearing for July 7 and has mandated that no coercive actions be taken against Kartik Maharaj until then.
Why was the hearing in-camera?
The hearing was intended to be in-camera to maintain confidentiality, but the state government counsel opposed this request.
