Mehak Mirza Prabhu holding the controversial poster at Gateway

MUMBAI: The Colaba police is on the verge of closing the case filed against a 37-year-old woman holding a ‘ Free Kashmir ’ placard during a protest at the Gateway of India against the brutal attack on JNU students.

Mehak Mirza Prabhu, who was booked on January 7 under Section 153B of the IPC for assertions prejudicial to national integration, is likely to be exonerated as the police have not found any malicious motive. Mehak had told TOI that she was speaking of “basic constitutional rights” and “freedom of expression” in J&K in view of the “internet shutdown” there.

“We are scanning her social media accounts and have not found anything that connects her to the crime,” said a senior police officer.

Will close case in a month after taking legal opinion: Cops

A police source said the cops are likely to close the case in a month after obtaining legal opinion. A CSummary report, which says a person was booked by mistake or an erroneous complaint was made, may be filed before court.

Speaking to TOI, she had stressed on her background as a Maharashtrian and a storytelling artiste.

A group of students had gathered at the Gateway on January 5 to protest against the attack on JNU students in New Delhi. Prabhu was there and was seen holding up a poster saying, ‘Free Kashmir’. Former CM Devendra Fadnavis and several others had alleged that the agitation had taken on a divisive character. On January 8, the city BJP unit had gathered Bollywood artists and members of the civil society to protest against the poster.

The Colaba police had filed an FIR suo motu and thoroughly questioned Mehak. She was allowed to go home after recording her statement. Mehak, who had participated in the protest on January 6, faced a maximum prison term of five years if convicted.

