New Delhi/Chandigarh, August 9: Vikas Barala, Haryana BJP leader son accused of stalking a woman in Chandigarh last week, was arrested after he appeared before the police station on Wednesday afternoon, having failed to appear for the 11 am summons issued for today.
There was heavy security at the Sector 26 police station in Chandigarh where Vikas presented himself.
Earlier, when Vikas failed to appear, his father, Haryana BJP president Subhash Barala, said “he will fully cooperate” in any investigation.
Vikas and a friend of his allegedly stalked, harassed and almost waylaid Varnika Kundu, who was driving alone in Chandigarh on Friday night. “Arrest of Vikas Barala is one small step in the right direction”, said Varnika’s father VS Kundu to Times Now.
Police said on Wednesday that Vikas and his friend “refused to give” their blood and urine samples after the alleged incident Friday night. “Such refusal will be held against them in the investigation and trial,” said Tajender Luthra, Chandigarh director general of police.
Luthra also confirmed that the police had sufficient evidence to probe the case and that the police now had footage from six CCTVs. “We have sufficient footage that indicates that this girl was being chased,” he said. He also said that there were many witnesses in the case, including police officers. However, he refused to divulge more details.
Minutes before his son was to present himself, Barala denied allegations that he or his party were trying to shield his son. “I’m a good citizen. I want the police to thoroughly investigate what has happened even though my son has been named. The woman (Varnika) is like my daughter. Her allegations must be properly investigated,” Barala said.
The Haryana BJP president’s son was arrested Friday night after Varnika called the police while she was being chased around the city by Vikas and a friend of his. He was later granted bail. The Congress alleged that police charged him with bailable offences on purpose, so he could be protected.
On Wednesday, the BJP vigorously denied it was hampering the investigation. “This is absolutely untrue, to say we are involved in any way,”said a BJP official Jawahar Yadav.
The police on Wednesday said they fully intend to conduct a thorough investigation.
News Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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