Allege False Charges Under NSA; Demand Fair Investigation

Nagpur: Prominent Muslim community leaders, including former cabinet minister Anees Ahmed and ex-MLA Shaukat Qureshi, have accused the Nagpur police of unjustly arresting innocent Muslims following the recent riots in the city. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, March 20, they alleged that highly educated professionals, including software engineers and doctors, were being detained and booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), which prevents bail for at least a year.

Claims of Political Pressure on Police:

The leaders claimed that the police were acting under pressure from the BJP-led state government. “A large number of educated Muslims were inside mosques till 10 PM. Police arrived at their homes around 10:30 PM, asking them to come for interrogation. Once at the police station, they were arrested and booked under NSA,” said Ahmed.

He further stated that the actual rioters were anti-social elements who may not necessarily be Muslims. “Why is the police targeting Muslim intellectuals?” he questioned.

Dispute Over ‘Pre-Planned’ Violence Claims:

The leaders also challenged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ statement that the violence was pre-planned. Citing Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal’s remarks, they pointed out that even he had stated otherwise. “Now, the people must decide who is lying,” they added.

Alleged Provocation and Role of Right-Wing Groups:

According to the community leaders, Muslims were not instigated by any association with Aurangzeb but were allegedly provoked after VHP and Bajrang Dal activists burned a holy chadar that had been offered at a local dargah during a protest on Monday morning. However, when asked to specify which dargah was involved, they stated that it was for the police to investigate.

Denial of Attack on Police Officer:

The leaders also denied reports that DCP (Zone 5) Niketan Kadam was attacked with an axe during the violence. “The medical report does not mention any such injury. He may have been hit with a stone, but not a weapon,” they clarified.

With tensions still high in parts of Nagpur, the allegations of wrongful arrests and political influence are likely to spark further debate over law enforcement actions and communal harmony in the city.