New Delhi, Sep 2: A delegation from Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has called for a high-level investigation into the brutal rape and murder of 35-year-old Muslim nurse, Tasleem Jahan, in Uttarakhand. The delegation, led by JIH national secretaries Shafi Madni and Mohammad Ahmed, visited the victim’s family in Gadarpur, Rudrapur, offering condolences and assuring them of all possible legal and financial support.
The horrifying incident, which occurred a few weeks ago, has shaken the local community. Tasleem, who had been working at Fotila Hospital in Rudrapur for several years, went missing on the evening of July 30. Her family reported her disappearance when she did not return home. Tragically, her mutilated body was discovered on August 8 in an empty plot near her residence. The family claims that some of her organs were missing, although these details were not reflected in the post-mortem report. An FIR was registered only on August 14.
The police have arrested a construction worker named Dharmendra Kumar, who allegedly confessed to attacking Tasleem while intoxicated, raping and strangling her, and fleeing to Rajasthan with her belongings. However, the delegation and the victim’s family have expressed serious doubts about the police’s version of events. Mr. Madni questioned how a single, intoxicated individual could commit such a heinous crime without attracting attention in a populated area. The delegation also pointed out inconsistencies in the investigation, such as why the body remained undiscovered for ten days and why the police hastily arrested Dharmendra without a thorough inquiry.
The family and the delegation have raised concerns about the police’s reluctance to question the victim’s family, her daughter, or even the accused in detail. They also questioned why the hospital where Tasleem worked was not investigated, as her colleagues might have had important information regarding her routine and activities.
Tasleem’s family is reportedly struggling financially, with her only brother running a tea stall and her elderly father unable to work. Tasleem, who had been divorced for 11 years, was the primary breadwinner for her family, supporting her younger sisters, some of whom are still in school, and her 11-year-old daughter.
The delegation informed that Tasleem’s daughter and sister filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court on August 28, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the case. The petition, filed with the assistance of the state unit of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind and Advocate Sugandha Anand, has garnered support from opposition parties, activists, and NGOs, all of whom reject the police’s narrative and demand justice for Tasleem.
Despite the horrific nature of the crime, the case has received minimal attention from mainstream media, contrasting sharply with the widespread coverage of similar incidents in other parts of the country. This has led to concerns about the differential treatment of such crimes based on the victim’s identity and the political context of the state. The delegation emphasized the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure that the real culprits are brought to justice and to restore public confidence in the justice system.
The JIH delegation has vowed to continue supporting Tasleem’s family in their quest for justice, reiterating their commitment to ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime are held accountable.
