One Year On: Afreen Fatima's battle for justice amidst tragedy and turmoil
Prayagraj (UP): In a tale of resilience and resistance, student activist Afreen Fatima recounts the tumultuous past year that has seen her family at the epicenter of a devastating series of events. Afreen's life, once marked by her activism and aspirations, has been eclipsed by countless court visits, battling to prove her home's legality and defending her father, Javed Mohammad, against severe allegations. A renowned activist in Prayagraj, Javed Mohammad's arrest and subsequent incarceration became a turning point for their family, leading to their home's demolition and a barrage of challenges that have tested their mettle.
On June 10, 2022, hours after Friday's violence erupted in Prayagraj, Javed Mohammad was taken into police custody. Accused of being the 'mastermind' and 'key conspirator' in the post-Friday prayer violence, he faced charges, including those under the National Security Act (NSA). The subsequent events were swift and severe. On June 11, Javed was officially arrested, and on June 12, the family's home was demolished, a public spectacle broadcasted across national television channels.
The destruction of their home was not merely an administrative action but a harsh statement, emblematic of what many termed 'bulldozer justice' or 'bulldozer vendetta.' Afreen's activism, especially during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), had garnered attention. Consequently, her father's incarceration raised questions about a potential connection to her activism.
Reflecting on the past year in a The Quint’s interview, Afreen expressed her deep anguish, acknowledging the loss of her home and the absence of her father. "He has been the strongest pillar of the family, especially for me," she said, emphasizing his unwavering support and the void his absence had created. Despite the adversity, Afreen and her family stood united, demonstrating a profound resilience in the face of immense challenges.
Javed Mohammad's incarceration, according to Afreen, was not solely due to his activism but also his vocal stance against rising Islamophobia. The authorities' accusations and subsequent actions were perceived as collective punishment. The pattern, as Afreen observed, was distressingly common. Families, she noted, were consistently dragged into the activism of their relatives, leading to widespread criminalization and vilification, a reality she and her family have endured.
In light of the current atmosphere in India, Afreen felt a pervasive sense of insecurity. "Any person, it does not have to be someone who is politically or socially active...at any point, the police can barge into your home and arrest you for no crime at all," she said. Afreen acknowledged this fear wasn't exclusive to her; it was a pervasive concern shared by many.
The demolition of their home was not just an isolated incident; it was a potent symbol, Afreen argued. It served as a message to the Muslim community, indicating that dissent would not be tolerated. Moreover, it was a broader message to the Hindu majority, shaping a chilling vision of a nation where Muslims' homes, livelihoods, and families were demolished, underscoring the stark divide within the society.
Despite the challenges, Afreen maintained her resolve. While she has reduced her social media presence, it isn't out of fear but due to the overwhelming demands of court proceedings. Fighting for justice, she asserted, was a herculean task, with the process itself often feeling like a form of punishment.
Throughout this ordeal, Afreen's family, like many others, has become a symbol of resistance against injustice. Afreen's fight for her father's freedom and their family's rights underscores the ongoing struggle for justice in India's complex sociopolitical landscape.
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Food delivery agent intervenes to stop street fight in Delhi's Dwarka, stabbed to death
New Delhi (PTI): A 32-year-old food delivery executive was stabbed to death when he allegedly intervened in a violent altercation between two groups in southwest Delhi's Dwarka, police said on Monday.
The deceased has been identified as Govind Jha, a resident of Mohan Garden.
Three others sustained stab injuries in the incident and are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital, they said.
Authorities also cautioned against attempts to give the incident a communal colour.
According to the police, Jha was on his way to work on Sunday night when he noticed a street fight taking place at Rajapuri in Madhu Vihar area of Dwarka. The altercation involved two men pitted against three others, who were later identified as Parvesh, Anish and Rohit.
"Jha stopped at the spot and attempted to intervene. During the scuffle, the two men allegedly pulled out knives and began stabbing Parvesh, Anish and Rohit. When Jha tried to intervene, he was also attacked," a police officer said.
All four injured persons were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Jha succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The other three men are under medical observation.
Police said the accused fled the spot after the incident, and multiple teams have been formed to identify and apprehend them.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Kushal Pal Singh, in a statement, said that some messages circulating on social media are attempting to give a communal angle to the incident.
"In the incident, four people suffered stab injuries and were admitted to the hospital. One person died at the hospital, and the remaining three are undergoing treatment. The victims belong to two different communities. The accused stabbed all four victims. Dwarka Police is conducting a search for the accused," the DCP said.
"There is no communal angle to the incident. Strict action will be taken against those spreading false information," he said.
