Varanasi: In a sensational incident that has raised serious concerns regarding the security of judicial premises, a woman brandished a knife inside the courtroom of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM)-VI in Varanasi on Thursday. The woman reportedly threatened a lady advocate with the weapon in the presence of the presiding judge, leading to a state of panic within the court complex.
The Incident
According to reports, the incident occurred during the afternoon session in the ACJM-VI court. A woman, identified as Pushpa Devi, a resident of the Mirzamurad area (Changwar Benipur), had reached the court to pursue a case related to a family dispute.
Witnesses stated that the woman was engaged in a heated argument with a lady advocate regarding the progress of her case and the submission of medical reports. During the altercation, she suddenly pulled out a knife from her bag and moved toward the advocate, threatening her with dire consequences.
Prompt Intervention
The sudden display of a weapon in front of the Judge caused immediate chaos. However, the security personnel stationed at the court and other advocates present in the room acted swiftly to overpower the woman and disarm her before any physical harm could be inflicted.
Police Action and Investigation
Following the incident, the Cantt Police was alerted and reached the spot to take the woman into custody. As reported by Live Hindustan, the police have seized the knife used in the incident.
Preliminary investigations by the police suggest that the woman was under significant mental stress due to an ongoing family feud. She had reportedly been assaulted by her relatives about two months ago and was frustrated with the legal proceedings.
A police official stated, “The woman appeared to be in a disturbed state of mind. She was insisting on immediate and harsh action in her case, and when informed about the legal procedures, she became aggressive.”
Security Lapse Concerns
The incident has triggered an outcry among the legal fraternity in Varanasi. Questions are being raised as to how a person managed to bypass the security checkpoints and enter a high-security zone like a courtroom with a lethal weapon. The Bar Association has expressed its concerns, demanding a thorough review of the security protocols at the Varanasi District Court to ensure the safety of judges, lawyers, and litigants.
Source: Live Hindustan
