New Delhi: The Supreme Court has strongly criticised Maharashtra Police for failing to register an FIR after a Muslim victim reported an assault during the 2023 Akola clashes, which followed a controversial social media post about Prophet Muhammad. The violence led to the death of Vilas Mahadevrao Gaikwad and injuries to eight others, including the petitioner, Mohammad Afzal Mohammad Sharif.
A bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Satish Chandra Sharma observed that the police showed “sheer carelessness” in ignoring the complaint. The court reminded officers that once in uniform, they must shed all personal and religious biases. The bench said police must act with absolute integrity and accountability.
According to Sharif, four men attacked Gaikwad with weapons before damaging his vehicle and assaulting him on the head and neck. Sharif said he too was attacked by the same group but the police refused to file his complaint despite his hospitalisation and eyewitness testimony.
When Sharif’s father approached the Bombay High Court, his plea was dismissed. The Supreme Court, however, held that the police had attempted to discredit the petitioner instead of investigating the claims. The court ordered the state home department to form a special investigation team that includes both Hindu and Muslim officers.
The bench further directed disciplinary action against the erring officials and called for training to sensitise the police on their legal duties. The SIT has been instructed to submit its findings within three months.
