Forcing Muslim man chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’: Orissa HC orders probe by senior police officer
Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has directed that the investigation into the assault and forced chanting of Hindutva slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram’ involving a Muslim man be monitored by a senior police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
According to Kashmir Media Service, Justice Savitri Ratho issued the order after hearing a petition filed by the victim’s father seeking a fair and impartial probe.
The case involves an incident in early January when a Hindutva group in front of police assaulted a Muslim man and dragged him through the streets, forcing him to chant Hindu religious slogans.
The court noted that the incident was videographed and the footage went viral on social media shortly after an FIR was registered on January 3 at the Bahalda Police Station in Mayurbhanj district in Odisha.
The FIR includes charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for wrongful restraint and criminal intimidation. The petitioner has argued for additional charges related to organised crime and outraging religious feelings.
The victim’s father approached the court demanding that the investigation be transferred to a specialised agency like the Crime Branch or a Special Investigation Team.
Representing the state, police authorities told the court that the victim sustained simple injuries and that two accused persons had already been arrested, while others were yet to be traced.
Taking note of the submissions, the court did not transfer the case but ordered that the probe be supervised by a senior officer to ensure proper investigation.
The case will now proceed under closer scrutiny, with the court’s direction aimed at ensuring accountability in a matter involving serious allegations of violence and communal targeting.
