Mahal Violence: Fahim Khan Alleges Political Motive Behind Arrest, Seeks Bail
Nagpur, India: Fahim Khan Shamim Khan, the city president of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), has applied for bail in the Nagpur district sessions court. He claims his arrest is due to “political vendetta” after he demanded action against VHP activists. His bail hearing is expected on March 24, his lawyer Ashwin Ingole said.
Khan was arrested on March 19, two days after violence broke out in the Mahal and Hansapuri areas of Nagpur on March 17. The violence began after rumours spread that a ‘chadar’ with holy words was burnt during protests by the VHP, who were demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The clashes led to stone-pelting and arson, injuring 33 police officers, including three senior officers.
Khan claims he was falsely accused and had no role in the violence. His bail application says there is no evidence to prove that he incited the mob. He also claims that the charges are “false and baseless” and that the case was filed because he asked for FIRs against VHP activists on March 18.
The police are still investigating the case and may ask for Khan’s custody again. Meanwhile, the police have found that the violence was planned in advance. Investigations showed that social media was used to spread messages and incite violence from the morning of March 17.
The police have also arrested Hamid Engineer, MDP’s executive president, and YouTuber Mohammad Shehzad Khan on sedition charges. Investigations revealed that Hamid had made an online appeal to collect funds for ‘Mujahideen,’ claiming it was for people in Gaza. The police suspect that Fahim Khan, a key leader in the party, was involved in planning the riots.
The court will now decide on Khan’s bail on March 24.
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