The Diplomat Desk
Katra :TDD, Baldev Raj Sharma, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Constituency in Jammu’s Reasi district, has lodged a formal written complaint against former Member of Parliament Ch. Lal Singh. The complaint has been submitted to the Station House Officer at Katra Police Station and alleges several offenses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023-such as criminal intimidation and attempts to lead an uprising against violence.
The complaint reiterates that the disturbances around the untouchable Rope Way Project cannot go unnoticed at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Singh supported the agitation against the project on November 27, 2024, because of the non-public interests,”as claimed by Sharma in him. The Rope Way Project is meant for the benefit of pilgrims, particularly the aged, handicapped, and financially vulnerable who cannot afford helicopter services.
The complaint cites inflammatory remarks made by Ch. Lal Singh, which the MLA believes are incitements to break the public peace and sow discord. The former MP is said to have made statements exhorting his supporters to attack Sharma, using provocative comments to suggest they attack the homes and properties of those who presumably voted for him. The MLA states that such remarks are made openly in order to inflame the public peace and create disharmony.
The complaint also recalls a November 25, 2024, incident, which allegedly involved rock-pelting by Ch. Lal Singh’s supporters at Katra Police Station while the criminal complaint was being brought forward against him. In the complaint, it is noted that the former MP has a history of misconduct, particularly due to a recent FIR against him at the Industrial Estate Kathua for obstructing public servants and misbehaving with police officials.
Sharma requested legal action, seeking the registration of an FIR against Ch. Lal Singh under sections 192, 196, 352, 351(2), and 356 of the BNS 2023, saying the former MP’s conduct poses danger to members of the public.TDD
