Supreme Court Orders SIT Formation in Akola Riot Case. The court expressed b displeasure over the biased investigation by Maharashtra Police and stated that the police should rise above religion and caste, upholding the dignity of their uniform, and conduct an impartial inquiry.
Maharashtra: The Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the communal violence that erupted in Akola district of Maharashtra in May 2023. This SIT will include senior police officers from both Hindu and Muslim communities to ensure the investigation is completely impartial and trustworthy. The court stated that the police's responsibility is to enforce the law, not to discriminate based on caste and religion.
Petitioner's Plea and Police Negligence
This order came following a petition filed by 17-year-old Mohammad Afzal Mohammad Sharif. Afzal alleged that he was attacked with the intent to kill during the riots, but the police took no action on his complaint. He stated that he recorded his statement with the police on May 15, 2023, while admitted to the hospital, but neither an FIR was registered nor an investigation was initiated. According to the petitioner, the police deliberately tried to suppress the matter.
How Violence Erupted in Akola
In May 2023, a social media post inflamed tensions in the old city area of Akola. The dispute escalated rapidly, leading to the spread of communal violence. During this incident, a young man named Vilas Mahadevrao Gaikwad lost his life, and several people were injured. Afzal was also critically wounded. The violence escalated so quickly that the police were unable to control the situation.
The Battle from High Court to Supreme Court
Afzal had initially filed a petition in the Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench), questioning the police's inaction. He had sought civil and criminal action against police officers. However, in July 2024, the High Court dismissed his petition. Subsequently, Afzal approached the Supreme Court, where he received relief.
Stern Remarks from the Supreme Court
A bench comprising Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Alok Aradhe questioned the role of the Maharashtra Police, stating, "After donning the uniform, one must work above caste and religion." The court emphasized that the police must uphold the law impartially. The court also acknowledged that if the police adopt a biased approach, victims will lose faith in justice.
Why Officers from Both Communities in SIT
The Supreme Court directed the Maharashtra government to include senior officers from both Hindu and Muslim communities while constituting the SIT. This is crucial to prevent allegations of bias in the investigation and to assure victims that the truth will be revealed. This is the first time the court has laid down such a condition for the investigation of a communal riot.
The Truth Behind the Riots Will Be Uncovered
With the formation of the SIT, it is now hoped that the real reasons behind the riots and the individuals responsible can be identified. It has often been observed that investigations into communal riots are one-sided, leaving the weaker sections deprived of justice. However, this order from the Supreme Court could change the situation.
