Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has transferred the case of a Muslim man who was allegedly assaulted and forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ while traveling on a train, following allegations of political interference and an unfair investigation.
The Bombay High Court was hearing a petition by Asif Shaikh and his wife, who recounted the traumatic events of January 19, 2024, when they were attacked by a group of students on a train. Shaikh stated that after seeking help at Panvel railway station, some attackers were detained, but BJP MLA Nitesh Rane allegedly intervened, leading to an FIR being filed against him instead.
Shaikh also claimed that when the case was transferred to Kankavli, he was assaulted while giving his statement, and his vehicle was vandalised in Mumbai. The Bombay HC granted him police protection in June 2024 and agreed to hear his plea for a case transfer.
On Wednesday, government lawyer Prajakta Shinde informed the court that the case had been moved to Kudal Police Station, over 250 km away from Kankavli, as requested by Shaikh. However, his lawyer Gautam Kanchanpurkar raised concerns, stating that Kudal is the stronghold of BJP MLA Nilesh Rane, casting doubt on the fairness of the investigation.
Shaikh’s police protection has now been withdrawn, with authorities citing no significant threat perception. The court, however, has allowed him to seek protection again if he faces further threats.
