Alleged custodial torture in Vejalpur: MCC Gujarat issues contempt notice

By A Representative

A legal contempt notice has been issued to senior Gujarat government and police officials over allegations of custodial torture and public assault in connection with an incident reported from Ahmedabad’s Vejalpur area earlier this month.

According to a press note issued by the Minority Coordination Committee (MCC) Gujarat, the notice has been sent by MCC convener Mujahid Nafees to the Gujarat Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department), the Director General of Police, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner. The notice seeks immediate departmental, disciplinary, penal and criminal action against police personnel allegedly involved in the incident near Sonal Cinema in Vejalpur on May 7.

The MCC stated that video clips, photographs and newspaper reports related to the incident have circulated widely in the public domain and contain allegations of custodial violence and public assault by police personnel. The notice claims that police officers tied the hands of accused Mohammad Aziz Sheikh, also referred to as Rais Sheikh in the complaint, to the bonnet of a police vehicle and assaulted him publicly.

The organisation alleged that the incident amounted to “illegal and extra-judicial punishment” in violation of constitutional protections and human rights principles. It said that public humiliation, assault or custodial violence against any accused person without due legal process constituted a serious violation of the right to life, liberty and dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The MCC further alleged that despite the circulation of videos and media reports, no transparent or effective action had so far been initiated against the police personnel concerned. It described this as a failure on the part of authorities responsible for maintaining law and order.

In the notice, Nafees has demanded an independent and impartial inquiry into the incident and activation of all investigation and monitoring mechanisms under the jurisdiction of the concerned authorities. The organisation has also called for disciplinary proceedings, penal measures and other legal action against the police personnel found responsible.

The press note, dated May 22, said a copy of the legal contempt notice had been attached along with links to videos related to the incident.

To Sonam Wangchuk: 'Will undertake 70 hour solidarity fast in Gujarat'

By Martin Macwan * Dear Colleague Sonam Wangchuk, I have never met you personally. I wrote a short article at the time of your arrest. Your work correctly introduces you. There is truth in your words. You have embarked on a fast, following the footsteps of Gandhiji. Your intention is to make people think. Your demand is reasonable; I believe that the resignation of a single education minister will not improve the state of education in India. However, the question you have raised is extremely important for the future generation of the marginalized. Education is the key to power, development, and progress, which empowers a citizen.

Sardar made up his mind on Pakistan in Dec 1946 "before" Mountbatten's Partition Plan

By Hari Desai* One has to be extra cautious while dealing with the history of towering personalities of the Indian freedom struggle, especially that of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (October 31, 1875 - December 15, 1950). Present-day politicians prefer to "pronounce” on his life and quote him according to their convenience like a blind person describing an elephant.

US civil society coalition slams Hudson Institute for hosting RSS leaders

By A Representative The Hudson Institute ’s “New India Conference,” held on April 23, featured senior figures from India’s ruling political ecosystem, including RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and BJP foreign affairs head Vijay Chauthaiwale . The event also included U.S. officials and former diplomats such as Kurt Campbell, Kenneth Juster, and Nisha Biswal, alongside India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Kwatra.

Counterview

Search This Blog