28 Persons Accused Of Violence During Anti-CAA Protests In Lucknow Slapped With Gangster Act [Read Press Note]

As per a press not released by the Lucknow Police, the accused have been slapped with the Gangster Act as investigations confirmed that they conspired as a "gang" to commit "anti-government activities", thereby causing panic in the public.

They have been accused of firing on the Police with an "intention to kill", in addition to setting a police outpost on fire in Satkhanda area of Lucknow. They have also been accused of damaging and looting other government offices and setting public/ private vehicles on fire.

Section 2(b) of the Gangster Act defines a "gang" and prescribes a detailed list of "anti-social activities" punishable under the Act. These include, resort to violence to disturb communal harmony; creating panic, alarm or terror in public; etc.

Section 3 of the Act prescribes that a gangster shall be punished with imprisonment of either two years (three years in case the offence is committed against a public servant) and which may extend to ten years and also with fine.

The 28 accused, including their alleged "gang leader" Mohammed Tahir, have also been charged under various provisions of the IPC, the Explosives Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 and the Criminal Law Amendment Act, for vandalism and arson.

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