The petitioner asserted that the CCTV footage, obtained from a secret camera, holds evidence crucial to proving the innocence of Muslim youths allegedly implicated in rioting.
Team ClarionÂ
MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court has directed Mumbai Police to preserve the CCTV footage of communal violence during the Ram Navami festival in the city’s Malvani area on March 30, 2023.
A two-member bench of Justice Revati Mohate Dere and Justice Manju Shatish Pandey passed the order on Saturday during the hearing of a petition filed by Muhammad Jameel Merchant, a key accused in the case.
The petitioner asserted that the CCTV footage, obtained from a secret camera, holds evidence crucial to proving the innocence of Muslim youths allegedly implicated in rioting. He also claimed that the footage could expose the involvement of the police in the violence.
Jameel Merchant, in his petition, stressed that the footage was crucial in proving his and others accused innocence of his and other accused in the case.
The court ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Zone XI, Ajay Nasal, to ensure the preservation of this crucial evidence.
The court’s decision emphasises the importance of preserving the CCTV footage, especially as it pertains to allegations of police misconduct and potential false implication of the accused.
Jameel Merchant, represented by lawyers Sanjeev Karam and Lee V. Bukhari, claimed that the police had falsely implicated him in the case and refused to provide the footage, suspecting it may incriminate the police themselves.
The petitioner expressed concern that the police might tamper with or delete the footage, hindering the pursuit of justice. Jameel Merchant has accused the police of conspiring against him but maintains confidence in the judiciary.
During the hearing, the court acknowledged the petitioner’s concerns and stressed the significance of the CCTV footage in ascertaining the truth. The court’s decision to issue this order aligns with the principle of ensuring a fair and transparent legal process.
The case has witnessed previous orders from the high court regarding the preservation of evidence, and this latest directive reaffirms the court’s commitment to a thorough and unbiased investigation.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the preservation of the CCTV footage remains a critical aspect in the pursuit of justice in the Malvani riot case.
