Rajasthan authorities issue demolition notices after arrest of Muslim men in sexual assault case
Jaipur: In the town of Vijay Nagar, Beawar district, Rajasthan, tensions are rising after the arrest of ten Muslim men accused of sexually assaulting and blackmailing five minor Hindu girls. The arrests, made on February 17, followed three First Information Reports (FIRs) filed on February 16 by the victims' families. The accused include seven adults and three minors, all aged between 19 and 21.
Protests and communal tensions
Following the arrests, Hindutva groups organized mass protests and called for "bulldozer action" against the accused, accusing them of engaging in "love jihad", a term used by right-wing groups to allege that Muslim men are trapping Hindu women into interfaith relationships under the pretense of love. A bandh (shutdown protest) was observed on February 21 in Vijay Nagar, supported by various right-wing organizations, including the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Demolition notices issued
In response to the rising communal pressure, the Vijay Nagar municipality issued notices to the families of the accused on February 20 and 21. The notices demanded proof of ownership for their homes, warning that failure to comply could result in the demolition of alleged illegal structures under the Rajasthan Municipalities Act, 2009.
Notably, the municipality also issued notices to the administration of the 100-year-old Jama Masjid and a nearby graveyard, asking for documentation to verify ownership and legality. Pratap Singh, Executive Officer of the Vijay Nagar Municipality, stated that any decision on demolitions would be made after verifying the submitted documents.
Targeting of community properties raises concerns
The targeting of religious and community properties has sparked outrage among activists and local residents. Akhatyar Ali, a local schoolteacher, questioned the motive behind asking for ownership proof from a century-old mosque, suggesting an attempt to give the crime a communal angle.
Local Muslim families have expressed fear that they are being unfairly targeted, despite cooperating with police investigations. One family member of an accused individual, who works as a mechanic, said, "We have all the documents required to prove ownership, but we fear our homes will be demolished unfairly."
Allegations of due process violations
The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has condemned the issuance of the notices, stating that the administration is acting under political pressure. PUCL President Kavita Srivastava highlighted that any demolition without following due legal procedure would be unconstitutional, referring to a Supreme Court order from November 13, 2024, which prohibits demolitions without prior notice or due process.
PUCL also demanded impartial action from the administration, urging authorities to avoid communalizing the case. They emphasized that the alleged crimes should be thoroughly investigated under existing legal frameworks, without collective punishment targeting the wider Muslim community.
Allegations of violence and administrative bias
During the court proceedings, local advocates physically assaulted the accused while they were being presented before an Ajmer court. Despite the violence, no cases have been filed against the attackers, raising concerns about bias in law enforcement.
Meanwhile, authorities have seized a local café where the accused allegedly met the victims, citing encroachment violations.
Ongoing investigation
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sajjan Singh confirmed that the accused were charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation is ongoing, with allegations of forced religious conversion also under scrutiny.
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Speaker Khader dismisses BJP's charges of 'delay' in swearing-in of Jeevaraj as MLA
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Wednesday rejected opposition BJP's allegations of delaying the swearing-in of D N Jeevaraj as MLA, asserting that the process was being handled strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and rules.
BJP candidate Jeevaraj, who had lost the 2023 Sringeri Assembly election to Congress leader T D Raje Gowda, was declared elected late Sunday night after reverification and recounting of postal ballots in compliance with a High Court order.
The recount reduced 255 votes from Gowda's tally, overturning his earlier victory margin of 201 votes and reversing the result.
The recount followed an election petition filed by Jeevaraj.
Addressing reporters, Khader maintained that there was no delay in administering the oath to Jeevaraj, who was declared elected from the Sringeri Assembly constituency after a High Court-ordered recount of postal ballots.
“Where have we delayed? The application was submitted at 11 am. If an application is given in the morning and by evening someone says it’s delayed — how is that a delay?” he said, dismissing the allegations.
The Speaker said the matter involved 'technical issues' that required examination before fixing a date for oath-taking.
“When such a matter comes, we also need to examine it and take a decision as per rules. If an application is given in the morning, at least 24 hours must be given,” he said.
Khader stressed that his role was bound by the Constitution and not influenced by political considerations.
“When an elected MLA asks for time, we must give it under the Constitution and law. Can we refuse? No, we have to give it,” he said, rejecting suggestions that he was acting under party pressure.
He also underlined the need for trust in democratic institutions amid the controversy.
“A democracy and parliamentary system must function on trust. Without that, how can democracy be strengthened? Trust is essential,” he said, cautioning against creating suspicion around constitutional positions.
On claims that the delay was linked to the ongoing political and legal dispute over the recount, Khader said the issue did not fall within his purview.
“My responsibility is to act as per the Constitution and rules. I will ensure that whatever is due to them is done as soon as possible,” the Speaker explained.
He said he had already communicated his position when contacted and would formally inform the concerned parties. “There is no delay, nor any intention to delay. I will discharge my duties as per the Constitution,” he said.
Khader also pointed to possible legal complications in hastily administering the oath.
“If I give the oath to one person and tomorrow the court declares someone else the winner, what happens then? Will it automatically cancel? Will confusion arise?” he asked, indicating the need for due diligence.
On concerns that Jeevaraj had lost over two years of tenure, the Speaker said representation was linked to that constituency rather than an individual.
“Whoever becomes the MLA represents the constituency. Benefits are not given to an individual,” he said, adding that issues of alleged irregularities should be examined by the Election Commission.
The remarks come after the Leader of Opposition BJP in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka on Wednesday accused the Speaker of 'deliberately' delaying the oath and approached Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking intervention, even suggesting that the Governor administer the oath if required.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the process 'Vote Dacoity' by Jeevaraj and said an FIR has been registered against the newly elected Sringeri MLA.
Defending the recount process, Jeevaraj denied allegations of tampering, while the High Court has stayed an FIR filed against him in connection with the postal ballot issue.
