New Delhi witnessed a very shameful and gruesome communal carnage in February 2020. It shook the whole country and echoed the world over. In this regard, Human Rights organisations all over the world and even the UNO registered their dismay and pain in very strong words. The powers-that-be did not like a threadbare discussion in Parliament on these horrible events of mass murder, loot, arson and thoughtless destruction. After much condemnation, it was allowed to be brought to the table of Lok Sabha. Prime Minister maintained a calculated silence and never opened his mouth, not even cared to utter a single word of condemnation or remorse. The world watched in astonishment the silence of the Prime Minister of the largest democracy. Now Delhi Police, which is under the direct control of Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been entrusted with the investigation of the shameful destructions which have once again tarnished the image of India in the world.
Responsible citizens are appalled to find that the police is working in a manner which is unjust, biased and paranoid. Delhi Minorities Commission, after months long investigation has released a 134-page report laying bare the atrocities and partisan attitude of the police. It has brought to light how the police unashamedly indulged in all sorts of atrocities and sided with the rioters, openly throwing to the winds the demands of justice and fair play.
Now, as the last resort, concerned citizens of the country have addressed a petition to the Constitutional Head of the Country to use his good offices to intervene and set the things right. A group of 72 renowned and respected former IAS officers, social activists, human rights crusaders, former Indian ambassadors and high ranking IPS officers have written to the President of India to institute an enquiry into the biased investigations by appointing a sitting or retired judge of higher judiciary. They have also highlighted the provocative speeches and activities of BJP leaders like Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma and others which led to the riots, and the fact that the police has not filed FIRs against the agents provocateurs. On the contrary, the names of respected human rights activists like Harsh Mander, Yogendra Yadav, Kavita Krishnan and Anjali Bhardwaj have been included in the FIRs. To top this, UAPA has been invoked against some activists and victims.
The petition describes how the perpetrators have been let out and victims have been accused of violence. In addition, references to press reports have been made according to which the police was complicit in stone throwing, violence, beatings and torture of the innocent and unconnected citizens.
The world sees with horror how the Delhi police is indulging in creating a false narrative of conspiracy against those who stood for supremacy of rule of law, respect of the Constitution and democratic dissent. The things are very hopeless. If the trend of further victimisation of victims continues and justice is denied, history will not forgive the perpetrators.
Let us hope that the Hon’ble President of India will see to it that justice is done and it is also seen to be done. The judiciary and the civil society also have to do their duty for upholding justice and full justice.