Several local Muslim leaders have come forward to criticise the police action, calling it a violation of human rights as also Qasim Qasai‘s family alleges Fake Encounter
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – Tensions erupted in Damoh following a police encounter involving Qasim Qasai, a man accused of multiple serious crimes, including cow slaughter and arms smuggling. The incident, which took place in the Rajnagar area, has sparked protests and allegations of a “fake encounter” by Qasai’s family, while the police maintain that he attacked officers during questioning.
The altercation unfolded when Qasai, who had been arrested in Nagpur earlier in the day, was brought to Damoh for interrogation. According to police reports, Qasai allegedly attacked the officers with a revolver he had concealed in nearby bushes, injuring ASI Anand Ahirwal. In response, the police fired back, injuring Qasai in the legs. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The incident has led to unrest in the Qasai Mandi area, where family members and locals have staged protests. They blocked Chaman Square, demanding an explanation for what they believe to be a staged encounter. One family member questioned, “Qasim was in police custody after being arrested in Nagpur. How did he get a weapon?” They further dismissed the charges of cow slaughter, calling them “fake” and claiming they were fabricated by a local Hindu leader with a personal grudge against Qasai.
As news of the encounter spread, the Muslim community in Damoh and surrounding areas began voicing their concerns. Several local Muslim leaders have come forward to criticise the police action, calling it a violation of human rights. A prominent Muslim cleric from the region, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed his alarm: “This is not an isolated incident. Our community has been witnessing an increasing pattern of encounters where the accused are often denied justice and due process.” He added, “It is crucial that the truth behind this encounter be revealed. The people of Damoh deserve to know whether it was a genuine case of self-defence or another example of extrajudicial killing.”
Another Muslim activist, Imran Siddiqui, also weighed in, saying, “Every time such encounters happen, the Muslim community feels targeted. There is an ongoing sense of fear among us. We don’t want our young men to be branded as criminals without the chance to prove their innocence.”
CSP Abhishek Tiwari responded to the accusations, stating, “Qasim Qasai is a habitual criminal with 23 cases registered against him, including cow slaughter, attempt to murder, and illegal arms smuggling. He attacked the police during questioning, forcing us to retaliate in self-defence.”
The police have provided a list of Qasai’s alleged crimes, including a video from a past case in which he was seen with an illegal weapon. However, the family insists that the encounter was orchestrated. A relative stated, “They are not even allowing us to meet him in the hospital. Something is not right here.”
The situation remains tense, with a heavy police presence in Damoh to prevent further disturbances. Authorities have called for calm, assuring that a thorough investigation into the incident will take place.
Despite the police’s assurances, the community remains divided. While the authorities stand by their version of events, the family’s claims have reignited discussions about police accountability and the handling of criminal cases in the region. As the investigation continues, both sides await answers, with tensions showing no signs of easing.
The encounter has added fuel to the ongoing debate about the use of force by police in India, raising questions about the line between self-defence and extrajudicial actions. For now, Damoh remains on edge, with locals and authorities bracing for the potential fallout.
