Former Congress MP Virji Thummar is facing a non-cognizable offence for alleged defamatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a Congress party program in Gujarat's Amreli district. Thummar clarified that his intention was not to harm anyone but to amplify the public's voice.
Amreli city police registered the non-cognizable offence based on a complaint by Mehul Dhorajiya, the BJP's Amreli district unit general secretary. Thummar is accused of making objectionable remarks, referring to Modi as a "dalal" (broker) during the 'Sneh Samvad' program on December 22.
Deputy Superintendent of Police J P Bhandari stated that the complaint invokes sections 499, 500, and 504 of the Indian Penal Code, related to criminal defamation and intentional insult. Since it is a non-cognizable offence, the police will seek court permission to conduct an inquiry.
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In response, Thummar submitted a complaint alleging defamation by the BJP, citing the burning of his effigies. The police are investigating this matter as well. Thummar expressed that his aim was not to insult but to represent the public's discontent with the ruling party, asserting, "Hang me if I have done anything wrong. I am not here to defame anyone, but the ruling party should listen to the public." Thummar, a former MLA in Gujarat, served from 2017 to 2022.
