Chandiwal Commission’s report on the 2013 communal violence in which several Muslims were killed gathers dust
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The 12th anniversary of the riots in the northern Maharashtra city Dhule has seen renewed calls for justice from the families of victims, whose cries for accountability remain unanswered. The Chandiwal Commission report, which was submitted over a decade ago, gathers dust, intensifying the anger and frustration of those who lost their loved ones during the violence that erupted on January 6-7, 2013. The affected families demand justice, questioning the authorities for failing to make the Chandiwal Commission’s report public and take meaningful action.
The Dhule riots, which began with a minor dispute at a local hotel near the fish market, spiralled into large-scale violence that left several Muslim youths dead. In the name of restoring order, the police opened indiscriminate fire on the crowd and six young lives were lost in firing, while two others were permanently disabled due to gunshot wounds. The aftermath of the riots saw widespread destruction of Muslim homes, businesses being looted, and the community suffering significant financial losses.
“If our children did not die in police firing, then whose bullets took their lives?” This question, posed by one of the anguished relatives, echoes the frustration and heartbreak felt by the families, who have seen no progress in the case despite the passing of time.
The victims who lost their lives in the police firing were Saud Raees Patel, Imran Ali, Asim Sheikh, Yunus Shah, Rizwan Shah, and Hafiz Asif Iqbal. The families are still reeling from the loss of their loved ones, with some, like Sheikh Chand and Khalid Ansari, left with permanent disabilities. The official response has been to dismiss the police actions, yet no substantial steps have been taken to hold the responsible individuals accountable.
The investigation into the riots was initially assigned to the Malte Commission, but following the sudden resignation of its head, Judge Malte, the task was passed on to Judge Chandiwal. However, the findings of the Chandiwal Commission have remained sealed, leaving the victims’ families feeling as though they have been abandoned by both the legal system and the government. Calls for the release of the report have been growing, but have gone unheeded.
Raees Daulat Patel, whose son Saud Patel was one of the victims, voiced his frustration: “We received compensation after six years, thanks to the legal efforts of Maulana Arshad Madani and Jamiat Ulema. However, the culprits behind the riots have not been punished. The report has been buried for twelve years, and the authorities have failed to act on it.”
Patel, alongside others who lost their sons, pointed to the failure of secular parties in pushing for justice. Despite being in power, these parties have failed to make the Chandiwal Commission’s report public. “It is time for the government to take action, reveal the findings, and bring the real culprits to justice,” he added.
Abbas Shah, the father of Younus Shah, another victim of police firing, echoed similar sentiments. Shah’s complaints focus on the lack of accountability, particularly in the aftermath of the violence. “Six Muslim youths were killed in the police firing, and Muslim homes and businesses were destroyed. Yet, not a single case has been filed against those who instigated the violence. Most of the cases filed were false, and even the deaths of these young men have not been properly investigated,” Shah lamented.
The legal battle surrounding the Dhule riots has been ongoing for over a decade, with significant efforts from organisations such as Jamiat Ulema Hind. Legal advocates, including Gulzar Azmi and Mahmood Rabbani, played a crucial role in securing compensation for the families. However, they point out that securing justice for the victims remains an elusive goal. The Chandiwal Commission’s report, despite being completed years ago, remains hidden from the public eye.
Rais Patel, who represents several victims, voiced his disappointment with both the state and central governments. “We are grateful for the compensation, but it is not enough. The culprits remain free, and the investigation report is still hidden. We demand that the truth be revealed,” he stressed.
The families of the victims remain united in their call for justice. The failure to release the Chandiwal Commission’s report has led to growing calls for transparency and accountability. The victims’ families, along with various political and social organisations, have pledged to continue their fight for justice. They have made it clear that they will not rest until the report is made public and the responsible parties are brought to justice.
As the 12th anniversary of the Dhule riots passes, the demand for justice continues to grow louder. Victims and their families come together each year to remember their loved ones, but this year, their voices have been amplified through the media. The publication of special reports has helped keep their demands for justice alive and give them a platform to be heard.
“We are grateful to the media for conveying our message to the government,” said Raees Patel, one of the victims’ relatives. “The media has been our voice, and it continues to push for the justice that we deserve. For that, we are thankful.”
As the families continue their fight for justice, they remain hopeful that the government will finally release the Chandiwal Commission’s report and take action. Until then, the pain of the victims and their families remains a reminder of the need for transparency, justice, and accountability in the aftermath of communal violence. The families are determined to ensure that their loved ones did not die in vain and that the truth will one day come to light.
The hidden report serves as a painful reminder of the failures to address communal violence and the need for the authorities to confront the truth. With the families’ unwavering determination and the support of various human rights organisations, it is hoped that the real culprits will be held accountable and justice will be served.
