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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's brother Anmol arrested in US, lodged in Iowa jail
Washington (PTI): Jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's younger brother Anmol, wanted for the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and firing outside actor Salman Khan’s Mumbai home, has been arrested by US law enforcement authorities and is currently lodged in a prison in Iowa.
According to a recent update on the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement website, Anmol Bishnoi is lodged at Pottawattamie County Jail in Iowa.
No other details were immediately available.
Anmol, who was believed to be living in Canada and making regular travels to the US, is the younger brother of Lawrence, accused of running a global criminal syndicate despite being in jail. Lawrence is currently lodged in Sabarmati Central Jail, Ahmedabad.
Anmol is wanted in connection with several criminal cases, including the murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister Siddique last month in Mumbai's Bandra area. He was also allegedly behind the firing outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's home, located in the Bandra area, in April 14 this year.
India has asked for the extradition of Anmol. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) also recently announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Anmol.
Earlier this week, the US State Department had declined to comment on the possibility of deporting Anmol, saying the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.
"...it would be appropriate - if anyone is going to comment on such a report, it would be the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, not the State Department... They may - and they - and I prefaced it that way because they may decline to comment. But I certainly am not going to comment on something that falls within their jurisdiction," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in response to a question on Anmol's possible deportation at a press meet on Nov 18.
A lookout circular was issued in April against Anmol, who had claimed responsibility for the firing incident outside Salman Khan’s residence.
An FIR was also registered by the NIA against nine accused, including the Bishnoi brothers, in August 2022 for being part of a conspiracy to “raise funds, recruit youth to carry out terrorist acts in the Union Territory of Delhi and other parts of the country” besides “targeted killings of prominent persons”.
