Sedition case: Lakshadweep police question Aisha Sultana

KOCHI: On Sunday, Lakshadweep police questioned activist, filmmaker Aisha Sultana in connection with the sedition case registered against her for a comment that a ‘bio-weapon’ was used against Lakshadweep during a TV channel debate.
Aisha appeared before the investigation team by 4 pm and her interrogation continued till 7.15 pm. Later, Aisha told TOI that the investigators were cordial and she was asked to stay back for four more days. “The questioning was mostly centred on the word bio-weapon. They asked me in what circumstances I used the word, why and whether I meant the Centre by it. Most questions were like that,” she added.
Aisha said she was able to give clear answers though the questions were tough. “I reiterated my stand that I meant the policies of administrator Praful Patel through my comment. They told me to clearly state that and I said it with clarity. Many questions were asked on the issue,” said Aisha, adding that senior officers were present at the questioning which took place at Kavaratti police headquarters.
“They have asked me to stay back here and I think I will have to remain for four more days. They have told me that there wouldn’t be an arrest,” said Aisha.
Lakshadweep police sources refused to divulge details of her questioning and said the investigation was progressing.
On Thursday, the high court had granted interim anticipatory bail to Aisha in the sedition case. The court, while directing her to appear before the investigating officer, had ordered that if she is to be arrested after interrogation, she should be released on interim anticipatory bail for a week upon executing a bond with sureties.
Lakshadweep administration, in response to Aisha’s plea in HC, had said that her alleged statement in a news channel discussion, that Centre relaxed quarantine restrictions for visitors to Lakshadweep so as to use Covid as a bioweapon against the islanders, is sufficient to arouse hatred or contempt among the people of Lakshadweep towards the Government of India. It can be prima facie considered as an attempt to excite disaffection among the people towards GoI, the statement had said.
Before leaving for Lakshadweep on Saturday, Aisha had said that she would cooperate with the investigation and that she hasn’t done anything against the nation. She added that she would continue to oppose anti-people activities of the administration and fight for justice.
‘No proposal to shift legal jurisdiction’
Lakshadweep administration, on Saturday, had issued a statement saying that the news reports about shifting jurisdiction of the high court from Kerala to Karnataka was baseless.
There is no proposal from Lakshadweep administration to shift its legal jurisdiction from the high court of Kerala to the high court of Karnataka. The news about shifting jurisdiction of the high court from Kerala to Karnataka is untrue, said secretary of information and public relations & collector of Lakshadweep S Asker Ali.