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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HC orders preservation of Sunjay Kapur's assets on plea by Karisma Kapoors' children
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed preservation of the assets of late Sunjay Kapur, ruling that all "suspicious circumstances" raised by the industrialist's children from his marriage with actor Karisma Kapoor have to be completely removed by his third wife, Priya Kapur, before the acceptance of his purported last will.
Justice Jyoti Singh passed the interim order on an application filed by Karisma Kapoor's children to restrain Priya Kapur from alienating their father's assets, reportedly worth Rs 30,000 crore.
The interim application was filed in a suit by the children, challenging their late father's purported will of his assets.
"Having heard and on examination of the material on record, I have the considered view that all legitimate suspicious circumstances raised by the plaintiffs will have to be completely removed by defendant number one (Priya Kapur) before the document is accepted as the last will," the judge said.
"Plaintiffs have made out a prima-facie case that the assets which are subject matter need to be protected, preserved, pending disposal of the suit," she added.
Justice Singh ordered that the equity shareholdings in the three Indian companies of the deceased cannot be changed and also restrained the disposal of his personal effects, including artwork.
The court said if the assets are not preserved and Priya Kapur ultimately fails to prove the validity and genuineness of the will, the deceased's children from his marriage with Karisma Kapoor -- his second wife -- and his mother Rani Kapur would be deprived of their legitimate shares.
"I have restrained from alienating, transferring, pledging, liquidating or in any other manner changing the equity shareholdings in the three Indian companies. I have restrained from withdrawing the PF amount. I have restrained from withdrawing monies from the three accounts except to the extent of discharging liabilities towards the children," the judge said.
The court clarified that it has not passed the order with respect to immovable foreign assets.
A detailed copy of the verdict is awaited.
Sunjay Kapur died on June 12, 2025, after collapsing during a polo match in England. He had reportedly suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
