Bhubaneswar: The Odisha High Court ordered a senior police official to supervise the investigation of the attack on a Muslim man who was stripped, dragged on the road, and allegedly forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram.”
The incident occurred early this year on January 3. A group of Hindutva men had assaulted Muhammad Shahrukh, removed his clothes, tied his legs with a rope, and dragged him naked while forcing him to chant the religious slogan
The assault was recorded and sent to the Inspector-In-Charge (IIC) of the Bahalda police station on the same day, and soon a first information report (FIR) was registered.
Justice Savitri Ratho, taking note of the video’s virality and the severity of the case, said it would be appropriate for a senior police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to monitor the investigation.
“The investigation in the case is in progress, but keeping in view the nature of the allegations and as it is not disputed that the incident had been videographed and made viral over social media, in the opinion of the Court it would be proper if the investigation of the case is supervised by a Senior Officer not below the rank of DSP.”
Petitioner demands inclusion of more charges
The petition filed by the Shahrukh’s father says the FIR was registered under Sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 296 (obscene acts), 117(2) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 133 (assault or use of criminal force), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (criminal acts done by several persons with common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The petitioner contended that Sections 111 (organised crime), 299 (deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and 174 (4) (grievous hurt caused by a group of five or more persons) should also be added to the FIR.
The counsel representing the IIC said the victim’s injuries were “simple in nature” and caused by a “hard and blunt object.” The counsel also submitted that two accused, Kunal Sahu and Santosh Kumar Sahu were arrested. The court was also informed that the remaining assailants are yet to be arrested and the case is under investigation.
Justice Ratho observed that although the petitioner is neither the informant nor the victim, she is inclined to entertain the plea.
“In view of the background of the case, a senior officer not below the rank of the post of DSP/SDPO must supervise the investigation of the case, who shall ensure that the investigation is conducted in a fair manner,” the High Court order read.
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