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yesterday

J&K Detains AAP MLA Mehraj Malik Under PSA, Drawing Cross-Party Criticism

Officials say the Public Safety Act was used on public‑order grounds after reviews of FIRs, diary entries, and complaints tied to recent relief‑work disputes.

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik was arrested under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) for allegedly disturbing public order in Doda district on Monday. (HT file photo)
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FILE: AAP MLA Mehraj Malik talks to the media after winning from Doda Assembly seat. (PTI Photo) (PTI10_08_2024_000172B)
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Overview

  • Police detained Malik on 8 September at Doda’s Dak Bungalow as he prepared to visit flood‑hit areas, then moved him to a district jail on the deputy commissioner’s order after a dossier was prepared.
  • District authorities cite 18 FIRs, 10 daily diary entries, and multiple public complaints, alleging threats to peace, abusive conduct toward officials, and interference over a health centre relocation.
  • The Assembly Secretariat received formal intimation of the PSA order, and officials noted that Speaker consent is not required for an MLA’s arrest in such matters.
  • AAP leaders and regional figures including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, PDP and People’s Conference condemned the detention, while the BJP and protesting government employees supported the action.
  • Officials reported detentions of several associates under the PSA and additional security deployments in sensitive areas to maintain order.