The Association for Protection of Civil Rights has called for an impartial investigation into the recent communal violence in Multai, Betul district, Madhya Pradesh. The appeal follows the release of a detailed fact-finding report by the organisation after its team visited the site of the Oct. 9 clashes.
Addressing a press meet, APCR State Secretary Syed Javed Akhtar said the violence began after a minor bike collision between two individuals was given a communal twist. The situation soon escalated, leading to assaults, damage to religious places, and the destruction of shops and carts belonging largely to members of the Muslim community.
The report found that police failed to promptly register FIRs from victims, creating a sense of fear among affected families. It also documented financial losses faced by small Muslim traders, estimated between ₹15,000 and ₹40,000 per person.
The APCR team urged the district administration to take immediate steps: preserve all CCTV and video evidence, register pending FIRs, provide financial relief to victims, and assign an independent or senior officer to oversee the investigation.
Akhtar stressed that APCR’s role is to uncover facts and uphold justice for all citizens. He said the organisation’s findings raise serious concerns about the police’s initial handling of the case. The report will be submitted to the State Govt, HRC, and senior authorities to ensure accountability and transparency.