Prophet row: Delhi police grants gun license to Nupur Sharma

Facing ‘threat to life’ for her alleged derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammed last year, former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma has been granted gun license by the Delhi police. Sharma was also suspended from the party for her controversial comments.

Can carry gun for her safety: Police

Police said the licence has been granted to her after assessing threats and following due procedure. She has been allowed to carry a gun for her safety, police said. Sharma’s remark on the Prophet during a TV debate had triggered protests across the country and drew sharp reactions from various quarters.

Several FIRs were lodged across the country against Sharma over her remark. The BJP had suspended her and expelled its Delhi unit media head Naveen Kumar Jindal as the row over their alleged derogatory remarks against the Prophet escalated amid protests from some Muslim countries.

Also read: Raj Thackeray backs Nupur Sharma over remarks against Prophet Mohammad

Sharma, kin were provided security last year

In June last year, the Delhi police had provided security to Sharma and her family after an FIR was registered on a complaint which alleged that she was getting death threats over her controversial remarks. She had requested the police to provide security, citing harassment and threats.

“Sharma and her family have been provided police security after she alleged that she has been receiving threats and was being harassed over her remarks,” an official had said.

Delhi police’s cyber cell unit had received a complaint from Sharma against various persons regarding death threats. Based on this complaint, an FIR was registered under IPC sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 507 (criminal intimidation by anonymous communication) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) against unknown people.

“During the probe, another complaint was received from Sharma against certain persons promoting enmity. Following this, Section 153A of the IPC was added to the case. Notices have been sent to Twitter Inc. and a reply from it is awaited. Investigation into the case is underway,” police had said.

(With agency inputs)