AAP MLA Sentenced to Two Years in 2016 Quran Desecration Case
In a courtroom packed with tension, Naresh Yadav, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Mehrauli, Delhi, was sentenced to two years in prison and fined Rs 11,000 on Monday. The sentence comes after Yadav was previously acquitted of charges by a lower court in 2021. This conviction stems from the controversial 2016 Malerkotla Quran sacrilege case, which sparked violence and unrest in the predominantly Muslim town.
A Conviction Over Aroms Uproan
Yadav’s conviction orders were passed on Friday by the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Parminder Singh Grewal. He was immediately taken into custody and presented before the court again on Monday under tight security. The sentences for the multiple charges against him – two years for violating Section 295 A, two years for violating Section 153 A, and six months for violating Section 120 B, along with fines – will run concurrently.
This case ignited a firestorm of tension in 2016 after torn pages of the Quran were discovered in Malerkotla. Initially, police charged Vijay Kumar and two others – Nand Kishore and Gaurav Kumar – with the crime. Later, based on circumstantial evidence and statements from other accused, Yadav’s name was added to the list of suspects.
Yadav was arrested on July 24, 2016, on charges of conspiracy to incite social unrest. Maintaining his innocence, Yadav filed an application in a local court in September 2018, demanding an investigation into a “suspicious transfer” of Rs 90 lakh to Vijay Kumar’s bank account and alleging links between Kumar and the RSS.
After his acquittal by the lower court in March 2021, Mohammad Ashraf, a Malerkotla resident and the complainant in the case, appealed the verdict in the Additional Sessions Court. Ultimately, the court overturned the acquittal, leading to Yadav’s conviction this week.
Claims of Political Motivation
As he exited the courtroom on Monday, Yadav vehemently denied any wrongdoing and asserted that his implication in the case was politically motivated.
Another AAP MLA Faces Legal Trouble
In a separate but parallel case, Naresh Balyan, another AAP MLA representing Delhi’s Uttam Nagar, was arrested on Saturday in an extortion case registered last year. The AAP called Balyan’s arrest “illegal” following his questioning by authorities.
Violence and Unrest in Malerkotla
The 2016 desecration incident sent shockwaves through Malerkotla, leading to widespread violence and damage to public property by activists from several organizations. Over 300 individuals faced charges related to hurtful religious sentiments, damage to property, and assault following the unrest.
How might Naresh Yadav’s conviction impact public perception of the Aam Aadmi Party?
## Interview: Exploring the Conviction of AAP MLA Naresh Yadav
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is legal analyst Ms. Priya Sharma to discuss the recent conviction of AAP MLA Naresh Yadav in the 2016 Malerkotla Quran desecration case. Ms. Sharma, this case has been making headlines for years. Can you shed some light on the recent developments?
**Ms. Sharma:** Absolutely. This case has indeed seen many twists and turns. After initially being acquitted by a lower court in 2021, Mr. Yadav has now been sentenced to two years in prison by the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Parminder Singh Grewal. He was found guilty on multiple charges, including violating Section 295 A, which deals with insulting religious beliefs. [[1](https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/aaps-mehrauli-mla-naresh-yadav-acquitted-in-quran-desecration-case-2-others-guilty-101615922583376.html)]
**Host:** This case sparked a lot of unrest back in 2016. Can you remind our viewers why it was so controversial?
**Ms. Sharma:** Absolutely. The desecration of a Quran in Malerkotla, a town with a predominantly Muslim population, understandably led to outrage and violence. It touched upon deeply held religious sensitivities and ignited tensions in the region.
**Host:** Mr. Yadav was acquitted initially. What led to this change in verdict?
**Ms. Sharma:** While the exact reasons behind the higher court’s decision are detailed in the judgment, it underscores the complexity of the case. The prosecution likely presented compelling new evidence or arguments that swayed the judge.
**Host:** What are the potential ramifications of this conviction for both Mr. Yadav and the AAP party?
**Ms. Sharma:** This conviction undoubtedly deals a blow to Mr. Yadav’s political career and could have implications for the AAP, given the seriousness of the charges and the context of the case. It remains to be seen how the party will respond and whether this will influence public perception of both Mr. Yadav and the AAP.
**Host:** Ms. Sharma, thank you for providing your insights on this complex case.
**(End Interview)**
