– Raheem Khan
Jaipur, May 22: The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) Rajasthan has successfully secured bail for eight individuals accused of involvement in a communal clash in Pahuna village, Chittorgarh district, during the Holi celebrations on March 19, 2024.
According to APCR Rajasthan General Secretary Muzammil Rizvi, a Hindu community procession, known as ‘Bewan,’ was being held on the occasion of Holi. The procession, which included around 100-150 participants, passed by the Jama Masjid in Sadar Bazar. During the procession, loud drums were played and objectionable slogans were raised. Given that it was the month of Ramadan and Tarawih prayers were underway in the mosque, some individuals outside the mosque requested the procession to lower the volume and stop the slogans. This led to a dispute that escalated into a communal clash, resulting in multiple injuries.
Police arrived at the scene to control the situation and provided medical treatment to the injured. Several arrests were made in connection with the incident.
Upon learning of the clash, an APCR Rajasthan team visited Pahuna village to meet with local residents, police, and administrative officials, gathering detailed information about the incident and appealing for peace and harmony in the community.
During the clash, 19 individuals were arrested. APCR Rajasthan offered free legal aid to eight of these individuals, represented in the Sessions Court by Advocates Arif Ali, Imran Rangrez, and Abbrar Hussain. In the Jodhpur High Court, Advocate Usman Gani provided legal aid to the same group. On May 20, 2024, after about three months, the Jodhpur High Court granted bail to the eight accused.
APCR state president Advocate Syed Saadat Ali expressed gratitude to the advocates and all those who supported the case, emphasizing that APCR Rajasthan is committed to serving victims and the innocent. He reiterated that the organization will continue its mission to protect the rights of innocent people and victims of communal violence.
APCR Rajasthan is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human rights in Rajasthan. The organization provides legal aid to victims of human rights violations, including those affected by communal violence, and works to promote peace and harmony among different communities.
