Shamli: Police officers investigating the lynching of a Muslim youth in Banat town, Shamli district, are facing criticism after being seen in a religious procession organized by a Hindutva group linked to the accused. The visuals, which surfaced on social media, show officers carrying saffron flags and walking alongside members of the Hindu Jagran Manch.
The incident has raised serious questions about the neutrality of the ongoing investigation. The Muslim boy was reportedly lynched by a mob affiliated with Hindutva organizations. Activists say the case had already seen delays and alleged attempts to downplay its communal nature.
Minority rights groups and local residents condemned the police participation, calling it a breach of professional conduct. They said officers who are investigating a crime involving members of the same organization should not be seen supporting its public events.
The Hindu Jagran Manch, which organized the procession, includes individuals named in the lynching case. Civil society groups have demanded an independent probe and immediate suspension of the officers involved.
Political observers say such incidents deepen mistrust between law enforcement and minority communities. They warn that visible bias in communal cases undermines public confidence in the justice system.
As of now, the district administration has not released an official statement. The silence of the authorities has drawn further criticism from activists and community leaders.
