As it happened: Police arrest Haryana BJP chief's son Vikas Barala, charge him with abduction
The Chandigarh Police on Wednesday arrested Vikas Barala, son of Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala, who is an accused in the stalking case of Varnika Kundu
Haryana BJP President Subhash Barala's son Vikas Barala and his friend Ashish Kumar appeared before the Chandigarh Police on Wednesday afternoon and were taken for questioning over the stalking of an IAS officer's daughter. Both the accused arrived amid high drama at the police station in Sector 26.
Vikas and his friend arrived in a Ford Endeavour SUV amid pouring rain, with the Chandigarh Police, accused of favouring the VIP's son, throwing an elaborate security ring inside the police station complex to keep away Congress protesters and the media. Vikas and Ashish had skipped police summons to join probe into the stalking incident on Wednesday morning. They were asked to appear before the police at 11 am. Both finally arrived around 2.30 pm.
Chandigarh's Director General of Police (DGP) Tejinder S. Luthra told the media here on Wednesday morning that the city's police, who have drawn criticism for mishandling the matter and favouring the accused men, will take necessary steps. Luthra said that the accused had refused to give their blood and urine samples to the doctor conducting their medical examination on Saturday.
The notice been issued under 160 Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the case has been filed against Barala under Section 354D (stalking), 341 (wrongful restraint), 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and 185 MV Act (rash driving).
Highlights:
* Both arrested accused will be presented before court tomorrow. Police to seek their custody: DGP Chandigarh
* Detailed interrogation of both (Ashish and Vikas) took place; two charges (Section 365 and 511) to be pressed against them: DGP Chandigarh
* Police arrest Vikas Barala and Ashish after they appears to join probe
No instance yet of pressure from family of accused, says victim’s father
2:40 pm: Accused Vikas Barala, son of Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala, arrives at police station in Sector 26, Chandigarh
1:55 pm: Heavy security at Sector 26 Police station in Chandigarh where Vikas Barala will appear shortly after being summoned
1:12 pm: We respect the law, Vikas has cooperated in the probe earlier as well, says Subhash Barala
1:10 pm: Vikas has left for Chandigarh to join the probe, he will fully cooperate, says father and Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala