Lakha Sidhana, the gangster-turned-activist accused in the tractor rally violence of January 26, has been granted protection from arrest by Delhi’s Tis Hazari court till July 3.

Additional Sessions Judge Neelofer Abida Perveen, while hearing interim bail, has given security to Sidhana. Advocate Ramesh Gupta, appearing for Sidhana, said that the activist had no role in the violence that took place on January 26. He further said the police themselves have also admitted that Sidhana had not entered the Red Fort on that day. 

On the other hand, Delhi Police sought some more time to make submissions in the matter. ASJ Perveen posted the matter to July 3 and directed police not to arrest him until then.

Sidhana had earlier denied involvement in the Republic Day violence. In the case, the Crime Branch (Central Delhi) of the Delhi Police had registered an FIR under Sections 147, 148, 149, 152, 186, 353, 332, 307, 308, 395, 397, 427 and 188 of the IPC read with Sections 25, 27, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act, 1959 and Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984.

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Actor and activist Deep Sidhu was made the main accused for this violence and is out on bail since April. The Delhi Police had announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh to anyone providing information on Lakha Sidhana.