‘Criticising the PM should not lead to FIRs’: Neha Singh Rathore after Hazratganj police visit | Lucknow News
LUCKNOW: Activist and folk singer Neha Singh Rathore on Saturday night said that questioning or criticising the Prime Minister should not result in criminal cases, as she spoke to reporters after appearing at Hazratganj police station in connection with FIRs registered against her.“Criticising the Prime Minister should not result in FIRs, being labelled anti-national or a traitor, or being subjected to abuse. The Prime Minister himself says criticism is welcome,” Rathore said, responding to queries about the allegations levelled against her while talking to reporters.Rathore said she had visited the police station in compliance with notices pasted at her residence. “I did not come for any interaction as such. Notices were pasted by police from different police stations asking me to appear before the investigating officer. That is why I came,” she said.On speculation that her statement was recorded, Rathore clarified that police informed her it could not be done after sunset. “I was told that since sunset has already taken place, a woman’s statement is usually not recorded at night. I may be called again during the day,” she said.Responding to questions on the possibility of arrest, Rathore said she had not raised the issue with police. “I believe the police are doing what they consider appropriate as part of the investigation. You should ask them about arrests,” she said.Confirming that she had received two notices so far, Rathore said she had been asked to cooperate with the probe and was ready to do so. “I have been asked to cooperate in the investigation, and I am ready,” she added.Asked about the complainant who filed the case, Rathore said she was unaware of the person. “I don’t know who filed the complaint. People do many things. Some write abuses on social media. I don’t know who these people are,” she said.On whether she had sought special legal protection due to concerns over the investigation, Rathore said she would comment only after consulting her lawyer. “I will be able to say something concrete only after legal consultation,” she said before leaving.
