Protests erupt in Chhattisgarh over alleged mob lynching of two men transporting cattle, investigation delays

Several members of the civil society group expressed apprehension that the SIT constituted by the Raipur police should not end up merely as a formality.
'Chhattisgarh Nagrik Samaj' held a demonstration at Ambedkar Chowk near Raipur collectorate expressing serious concern.
'Chhattisgarh Nagrik Samaj' held a demonstration at Ambedkar Chowk near Raipur collectorate expressing serious concern.Photo | Special Arrangement
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RAIPUR: A prominent civil society group—'Chhattisgarh Nagrik Samaj' held a demonstration at Ambedkar Chowk near Raipur collectorate expressing serious concern over the alleged mob lynching incident that occurred on June 7 at Arang, 40 km from Raipur and the "lack of transparency" in the investigation.

Two youths Chand Miyan (24) and Guddu Khan (35) both residents of Saharanpur (UP) were killed during the wee hours when they were on their way to Odisha’s Sambalpur market from Mahasamund in Chhattisgarh transporting buffaloes on a truck.

A third person, Saddam Qureshi with critical injuries has been admitted to the hospital in Raipur. He is still not in a position to give a statement.

Citing the incident as “shocking”, the members of Chhattisgarh Nagrik Samaj, an umbrella organisation representing social activists, various communities and senior citizens, said that even after nine days a 14-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) failed to arrest anyone and traced vital clues in the incident.

“Deaths of two Muslim youths after a scuffle occurred under very suspicious circumstances. Many believe the SIT probe into the brutal incident is not transparent. Such a premeditated plan killing two youths never happened in Chhattisgarh. The administration evidently lacks willpower owing to some outside interference. So, we have submitted a memorandum to the Governor requesting for issuing a directive to ensure a transparent investigation led by a capable upright officer,” said Dr Rakesh Gupta, co-convener of the Chhattisgarh Nagrik Samaj.

Several members of the civil society group expressed apprehension that the SIT constituted by the Raipur police should not end up merely as a formality.

“No arrest has been made so far. We are yet to access something substantial in our probe. Got some clues but sharing it will hamper further investigation”, SIT chief Kirtan Rathore told The New Indian Express.

A couple of Muslim organisations also joined the protest seeking justice, apprehending those suspected to be cow vigilantes who chased the vehicle on suspicion of smuggling of cattle and attacked the trio at Mahanadi bridge.

Earlier a Muslim delegation met the state DGP Ashok Juneja at the police headquarters appealing swift action against the accused and compensation to the kin of those killed besides ensuring effective measures to prevent a repeat of such incidents in future.

“DGP has assured that he will ask the Raipur SSP and the IG, instruct them for speedy probe and arrest the accused in the mob lynching incident. He also assured that after the examination of the incident other relevant IPC sections will be added in the case”, said Nauman Akram, general secretary All India Ulma Mashayak Board Chhattisgarh.

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