EC orders FIR against Sadhvi Pragya for Babri Masjid remark

New Delhi: The Election Commission has lodged a first information report against BJP’s Bhopal candidate Sadhvi Pragya Thakur for her comments in a TV interview that she was among those who had razed the Babri Masjid as it was “a blot on the country.” EC may take further action, ET has learnt.

Acting swiftly on the Ayodhya remarks, Bhopal’s district election officer lodged a FIR against the 2008 Malegaon blasts accused. EC’s MP poll machinery had sent a strong report against Thakur to Nirvachan Sadan for further action. The Madhya Pradesh chief electoral officer and district units are yet to act on Thakur’s comment against Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad ex-chief Hemant Karkare but a consolidated report on her public remarks has been sent to EC headquarters. The EC is viewing the two set of comments in a ‘consolidated’ and ‘holisitic’ light, sources said.

The FIR has been lodged for violation of the model code and under Section 188 of IPC which deals with disobedience to the order promulgated by a public servant. The bailable offence can invite a prison term of 6 months, fine of ?1,000, or both.