24 Jul. 24: The Delhi High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of 23-year-old Muslim youth Faizan, who was allegedly forced to sing the national anthem by Delhi Police during the 2020 Delhi pogrom.
The plea, moved by Faizan’s mother Kismatun, alleges that Faizan was brutally assaulted by police officers at Kardampuri and subsequently taken into illegal detention at the Jyoti Nagar Police Station. There, he was denied medical attention, which ultimately led to his death.
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani issued the order to transfer the investigation from Delhi Police to the CBI. “I am allowing the petition. I have transferred investigation to the CBI,” the court stated.
A video clip showing policemen beating Faizan with sticks and forcing him to sing the national anthem had gone viral on social media, sparking outrage.
Advocates Vrinda Grover, Soutik Banerjee, and Devika Tulsiani represented Kismatun, while SPP Amit Prasad appeared for Delhi Police. Advocate Grover argued that the Delhi Police’s investigation into Faizan’s death was biased and failed to investigate the role of the Station House Officer (SHO) at Jyoti Nagar, where Faizan was assaulted. Grover also accused the officers at Kiri Nagar Police Station of tampering with records, reported Maktoob Media.
Kismatun described her son’s death as a “hate crime and custodial murder,” claiming he was targeted because of his religion.
The case highlights concerns about police misconduct and accountability in India, especially in the context of communal violence.
