Disha Ravi Toolkit Case: Judge Asks Police For Evidence Proving Direct Link To Violence

Disha Ravi Toolkit Case: 22-year-old eco-activist Disha Ravi told a Delhi Court that the online ‘toolkit’ was merely a ‘resource document’ and did not ‘sow disaffection’ while moving her bail plea.

Ravi stated that as an activist, her cause is the environment and agriculture, not Khalistan as accused. The Delhi police opposed the petition, saying that the toolkit was a gateway to another website aimed at defaming India and its army.

The Delhi police claimed that the organization Poetic Justice Foundation (PJF) is a Khalistan-backing organization. The prosecution claims that Ravi is an accomplice to alleged Khalistan activity as she is closely connected to PJF, which in turn has ties to Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).

The police also alleged that she attended a Zoom call, which was one of the sessions where the January 26 violence conspiracy was hatched. The court was told that several zoom calls between PJF founder MO Dhaliwal and Ravi took place before Republic Day.

Judge Dharmenda Rana asked how anyone could assume a person had wrong motives for merely meeting with someone with bad credentials. The police stated that, "Everyone knows MO Dhaliwal. Why would you meet with such a person?" The court responded with, "No. I don't know who is MO Dhaliwal."

The judge also sought evidence that connected Ravi to the Republic Day violence, which the police were unable to provide. The police claimed that, "In a conspiracy, not everyone will have the same role. Somebody influenced by the toolkit may be instigated and indulge in violence." The court was not satisfied and asked Additional Solicitor General SV Raju to show the contents of the toolkit that prove a direct link. While SV Raju stated that the toolkit ‘appeared innocuous’, he also added that ‘there was more behind it.’

The police maintained that the conspiracy could be seen only based on circumstantial evidence, and Judge Rana asked, “Should I presume that there is no direct link now?" The police counsel was not able to come up with an answer, and Judge Rana proceeded to state that, “Unless I satisfy my conscience, I don't move ahead."