On Saturday Rihai Manch brought a report on ‘unfair and bias investigation of 2007 Gorakhpur serial blast’ that found several holes in the police version.
By TCN News,
Lucknkow: Rihai Manch (Forum for the Release of Innocent Muslims imprisoned in the name of Terrorism) demanded on Sunday a fresh probe into the Kosi Kalan riot and blast by the CBI. On Saturday it had brought out a detailed report nailing the investigating agencies in the “unfair and bias investigation of 2007 Gorakhpur serial blast and pointed to several holes in the police version.
Meanwhile, amidst heavy rain in Lucknow today, Rihai Manch completed 40 days of the indefinite demonstrations outside the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. Rihai Manch is on indefinite dharna outside the Uttar Pradesh Assembly demanding arrest of police officers involved in Khalid Mujahid’s murder, issuing the RD Nimesh commission report, and the immediate release of innocent Muslim youth imprisoned in the name of terrorism.
Rajeev Yadav, spokesperson of the Rihai Manch, said, “Police has not investigated properly the role of the Hindutva groups in the serial blasts in Gorakhpur and the Kosi Kalan riot.” Questioning the seriousness of the police investigation, he added, “Police had released sketches of three suspects and announced Rs 10000 cash for those giving information, however, they have not mentioned the name of any eye-witness in the case. Who then helped the police draw sketches?” he wondered.
Khalid had died under mysterious circumstances on his way back from Faizabad near Ram Sanehi Ghat on May 18. He was declared brought dead by the doctors at district hospital in Barabanki. Later, on the complain of his uncle Zahir Alam Falahi, a case was registered against 42 police officers including former DGP Vikram Singh, ADG Brijlal and others who were on duty during the time of Khalid’s arrest.
Khalid along with Tariq Qasmi was arrested by Special Task Force (STF) on 20 December 2007 from Barabanki. Huge explosives were also shown as recovered from his possession. STF claimed that he was involved in the serial blasts which occurred in Gorakhpur, Faizabad and Lucknow. Later, Nimesh Commission was constituted headed by Justice R D Nimesh who in its report raised fingers over STF’s claim about the place of arrest.
Rihai Manch is leading a sustained demonstration against the UP government demanding actions on its poll promise of releasing innocent youths languishing in jails in fabricated terror charges. Several rights groups and individuals have also expressed their solidarity with the Manch demonstration and on different days made token participation. Several women also participated in the dharna on Saturday.
Protesters have compared the Khalid’s arrest and death with that of the Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case in Gujarat. Civil society members have alleged that protecting the IB in Ishrat Jahan case UPA Government is trying to convert India into police state.