Pedalling Love Jihad Narrative: Four more arrest for taking law into their hands
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet https://himachalscape.com/
Shimla, June 8
Shimla Police have arrested four more persons in connection with the alleged assault and public parading of two tailors in Sanjauli Bazaar, taking the total number of arrests in the case to six.
The case stems from a complaint lodged by Azim Mirza, owner of a tailoring shop in Sanjauli. Mirza alleged that a group of individuals entered his shop on June 6, assaulted him, damaged CCTV camera wiring and later dragged him and his colleague, Aftab, onto the street, where they were allegedly beaten and publicly paraded.
Police had earlier arrested two principal accused, Madan Thakur and Vijay Sharma, shortly after the incident.
During the ongoing investigation, police arrested four additional accused identified as Shweta Chauhan (41), Kalpana Sharma (42), Gaurav Kumar and Gagan Sharma. According to police, evidence collected during the investigation indicated their alleged involvement in the incident.
The arrests come against the backdrop of tensions triggered by a separate POCSO case involving a minor girl. Police have repeatedly clarified that while one accused,
Shimla Police reject ‘Love Jihad’ claims, registers POCSO case against one accused
Ubaid, was arrested in that case, neither Azim Mirza nor his colleague Aftab was named in the victim’s complaint or statement. Despite this, they were allegedly targeted by a group of individuals amid the circulation of claims and social media posts attempting to portray the matter as a case of “Love Jihad.”
Officials said a total of six accused have now been arrested in the Sanjauli assault case, while the role of other persons involved is still under investigation. Further arrests and legal action may follow based on evidence gathered during the probe.
Shimla Police reiterated that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands, regardless of the nature of allegations being investigated. The police urged citizens to rely on lawful investigation and judicial processes rather than rumours, social media campaigns or acts of vigilantism.
Authorities warned that strict legal action would continue against anyone found involved in assault, intimidation, unlawful assembly, interference in investigations or other offences connected with the incident.
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