Stop harassment of innocent Muslim by police.

Civil society members in Lucknow have demanded government to take effective measures to put a check on incidents of harassment of innocent Muslim youths by police, anti-terror squad and intelligence agencies on the false terror charges. The demand was made after a 'public hearing' in which several Muslim youth, who were allegedly victimised and harassed by security agencies, narrated their tale of woes before people.

Shaukat Ali, a teacher and resident of Pratapgarh. claimed that he was being harassed by security agencies since August 2008. Though, he said, he has been questioned several times by the police, no proof has been given so far. But, he added, the questioning by police has made him a 'suspect' in the eyes of his students and neighbours, leading to humiliation.He had lodged complaint with higher authorities but nothing happened so far.

Mohammad Shahdab, from Azamgarh, claimed that he nephew and son were falsely implicated in terror charges. Other victims claimed that they were being branded as agents of various terror organisations by the security agencies without any proof. They also claimed that police demands money while threatening to put them in jail. Police detains Muslim youth for questioning without following procedure laid down in law, they added.

Former Indian police services officer SR Darapuri, after the hearing, said that it seems that police and security agencies are working for saffron organisations. Former vice-chancellor of Lucknow University Prof RR Verma said that the media should exercise restrain while projecting a person as terror only on the statement of security agencies because often accused are acquitted for want of evidence but adverse publicity makes thier life hell.

S M Naseem, another Former Indian Police Service officer, said that security agencies round up innocent people on false charges for awards and promotion. Lawer Mohammed Shoeb, who is fighting cases of Muslim youths facing terror charges, said even after acquittal, youth are seen with suspicion by the society, spoiling their career.The activists demanded compensation for victims and action against officers responsible for harassment.

News by: TOI