Punjab Police Detain Budgam Sarpanch Over Court Non-Appearance in Punjab Case
Budgam, June 17, KNT: Punjab Police have detained a Sarpanch from central Kashmir’s Budgam district following directions from a court in Punjab after the accused allegedly failed to appear before the court in a case registered against him several years ago.
The action follows a court directive issued after the accused allegedly remained absent from court proceedings despite being released on bail, prompting registration of a fresh case under Section 229A of the Indian Penal Code which deals with failure by a person released on bail or bond to appear in court.
Sources told KNT that a team of Punjab Police led by Sub-Inspector Pavatar Singh arrived in Kashmir Valley and detained the accused to shift him to Punjab for further legal proceedings.
The detained person has been identified as Muhammad Qasim, a resident of Ichgam in Budgam district, who is presently serving as a Sarpanch.
According to sources, the case dates back to 2011 when the accused was booked in Punjab in connection with a case and was later granted bail by the court.
However, sources said the accused allegedly failed to appear before the court for subsequent hearings over the years.
Following his continued absence, a fresh FIR numbered 11/2020 under Section 229A of the Indian Penal Code was registered against him at Police Station Mukandpur in Punjab.
Police sources said the accused was detained by the visiting Punjab Police team and will be taken to Mukandpur in Punjab where further legal proceedings in the case will follow. [KNT]
