Jaipur, Aug 21: In a deeply concerning development, the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has sought urgent intervention from the Rajasthan High Court following the tragic stabbing incident in Udaipur on August 16. The incident involved a violent altercation between two Class 10 students, resulting in one student succumbing to his injuries on August 19.
Expressing profound sorrow over the student’s death, Advocate Syed Saadat Ali, APCR State President called for peace and urged the public to maintain order in the wake of the incident.
Muzammil Rizvi, APCR State General Secretary, disclosed that a letter-petition was submitted to the Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court on Monday. The petition demands immediate judicial oversight in response to the violence and arson that erupted after the incident, as well as to address attempts by certain groups to communalize the matter.
The petition highlights the police action taken against the accused minor student, which included the arrest of his father, Salim Sheikh, despite no evident reason for his detention. Additionally, Sheikh’s rented house was demolished, rendering two families homeless. The petition questions the selective demolition, pointing out that despite over 200 houses in the colony, only this particular house was targeted under the pretext of illegal construction. APCR claims this action reflects communal bias and warns that it could signify the advent of ‘bulldozer justice’ in Rajasthan, similar to patterns observed in other states.
APCR petition seeks several key interventions, including:
- Strict Action: Immediate measures against those responsible for spreading unrest.
- Release of Salim Sheikh: The petition calls for the immediate release of the accused student’s father.
- Temporary Shelter: Provisions for temporary shelter for the displaced families until permanent housing can be arranged.
- Judicial Action: Legal proceedings against officials responsible for the unlawful demolition.
- Court Monitoring: Overseeing by the Rajasthan High Court to ensure due process and justice.
- Open Court Hearing: A transparent and public court hearing of the case to uphold public interest.
Advocate Saadat Ali emphasized that while justice must be served for the victim, the human rights of the accused must also be respected, ensuring that the pursuit of justice does not infringe on fundamental rights.
