The Delhi High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of a Muslim man who was allegedly beaten and forced to sing the national anthem by police officers during the 2020 Delhi riots. This decision came in response to a plea by the victim’s mother, who sought an impartial investigation into her son’s death.
Background
The incident, which occurred during the northeast Delhi riots in February 2020, gained widespread attention after a video went viral. The video showed five Muslim men lying injured on the ground while being forced to sing the national anthem by men in police gear. One of the men, Faizan, succumbed to his injuries on February 26, 2020, after allegedly being detained and brutally assaulted by police officers.
Court’s Directives
The High Court, presided over by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, issued notices to the Delhi Police and directed them to submit a status report on the investigation. The plea, filed by Faizan’s mother and represented by advocate Vrinda Grover, called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into Faizan’s custodial death. The court acknowledged the slow progress in the ongoing investigation by the Crime Branch and highlighted the necessity for a more effective probe.
Implications
The court’s order underscores the need for accountability and transparency in cases of alleged police brutality. The CBI probe aims to ensure a fair investigation, addressing the serious allegations of misconduct and potential human rights violations by the police during the riots. This decision is significant in maintaining public trust in the judicial system and reinforcing the importance of upholding justice and human rights.
The case will be closely monitored, with the High Court expecting detailed reports on the progress of the investigation, aiming to bring the culprits to justice and provide closure to the victim’s family.