A Gujarat court in Patan has directed the police to file FIRs against several individuals accused of orchestrating an economic boycott of Muslims in Balisana village following communal riots in July 2023.
Magistrate HP Joshi’s order comes after a complaint by Makbulhusen Shekh, a local villager, who claimed that his initial report to the police had been ignored. Shekh alleged that a video circulated in the aftermath of the riots showed Patels inciting villagers to economically ostracize Muslims by terminating their rental contracts, which led to many Muslims losing their livelihoods and some even fleeing the village.
The court instructed the police to register FIRs under various sections, including those related to promoting communal disharmony, criminal conspiracy, and furthering a common agenda. This decision follows Shekh’s complaint on September 8, 2023, to the Patan Superintendent of Police, which had not been acted upon initially. Shekh’s allegations centered around a video that purportedly documented Patels encouraging a boycott of Muslim vendors in the village market.
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The Patan police had recommended closing the case, citing statements from the accused who claimed they only suggested ending rental agreements but did not force any evictions. The accused argued that the suggestion was made in response to perceived disturbances caused by Muslims. However, the court dismissed the police’s recommendation and ordered further investigation after Shekh’s advocate, Yusuf Shaikh, presented testimonies from Muslims who had lost their businesses and livelihoods in the wake of the boycott call.
The court’s decision reflects a significant step towards addressing communal tensions and ensuring accountability in the wake of the July riots.
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