Alliance Leaders Condemn Police Action After Ram Navami Stone-Pelting Arrests in Dhanbad
In Dhanbad, a day after 18 people were arrested in connection with a stone-pelting incident during a Ram Navami procession in Baliapur's Bhikhrajpur village, leaders from the ruling alliance, including Congress, JMM, and RJD, raised serious concerns on Sunday over the manner in which police handled the situation. Addressing a joint press conference at the Circuit House, alliance representatives strongly condemned the incident and questioned the police actions, highlighting what they described as unlawful practices.
Allegations of Unlawful Police Conduct
According to the alliance leaders, while 18 individuals were arrested and sent to jail, the act of parading the accused in the marketplace prior to legal proceedings was highly objectionable and unlawful. Congress member Bajendra Singh emphasized that such actions amount to a violation of human rights and could potentially harass innocent individuals. He stated, "The Supreme Court has clearly laid down that no person should be subjected to public humiliation or identification procedures until proven guilty. The police action goes against established judicial norms."
Demands for Accountability and Fair Investigation
RJD member Mumtaz Qureshi urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to intervene in the matter and ensure accountability. He demanded strict action against officers responsible for the alleged misconduct while emphasizing that those involved in the violence must face stringent punishment. JMM's Manu Alam echoed similar concerns, stressing that police must ensure that no innocent person is penalized. Collectively, they called for a fair and impartial investigation into the incident to uphold justice and prevent miscarriages of law.
Opposition BJP Defends Police Action
In contrast, the opposition BJP defended the police action. Dhanbad BJP MLA Raj Sinha described it as commendable, stating that the parade of accused instilled a sense of security among the public. He acknowledged the possibility of procedural lapses, suggesting that some innocent persons might have been arrested in haste and should be reviewed. Sinha alleged that the Ram Navami procession was proceeding peacefully when miscreants initiated stone-pelting, forcing participants to retaliate in self-defense.
Unanswered Queries and Broader Context
Attempts to contact Dhanbad SSP Prabhat Kumar for an official statement were unsuccessful, leaving questions about police protocols unanswered. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region, with political parties divided over law enforcement methods during communal events. The debate underscores the need for balanced approaches that respect both public safety and individual rights, as communities navigate sensitive religious processions.
