Special Jaipur court observes major shortcomings in police probe resulting in the acquittals in the killing of Muhammad Ali and Muhammad Saleem
JAIPUR – In a long-awaited verdict, a special court in Jaipur, Rajasthan, earlier this week acquitted 13 accused in the 2000 Malpura double murder case that occurred during communal riots in Tonk district, citing serious gaps in the investigation.
Presided over by Justice Shweta Gupta, the court observed that the probe into the killings of Muhammad Ali and Muhammad Saleem lacked crucial evidence, despite three different officers handling the investigation over the years.
Those acquitted include Ratan Lal, Kishan Lal, Ram Swarup, Devkaran, Shivjiram, Ram Kishwar, Sukh Lal, Chotu, Bachraj, Kastur, Hiralal, Satyanarayan, and Kishan Lal.
Speaking on the verdict, defence lawyer VK Bali said, “The investigation was incomplete from the start. The FIR was based on second-hand information, and with Section 144 in force, there were serious doubts about eyewitness accounts.” His colleague Sonal Dadhich added, “The police never recovered the murder weapon properly. Only one accused was paraded along with it.”
According to the prosecution, Muhammad Ali and Muhammad Saleem were killed on 10 July 2000 during a communal clash in Malpura. Shahzad, a relative of the deceased, had filed an FIR naming 22 individuals as accused, alleging members of a particular community were responsible.
Justice Gupta noted that despite the passage of 25 years and multiple investigations, the case was not properly examined, leading to the acquittal of the accused by giving them the benefit of doubt.
“The court’s decision reflects the serious gaps in law enforcement and investigation during those times,” commented civil rights activist Imran Qureshi. “It is crucial that the justice system ensures accountability while protecting innocent individuals wrongly accused in communal tensions.”
It is noteworthy that eight of the accused had already been acquitted by the Rajasthan High Court. One minor was transferred to the Juvenile Court. The remaining 13, now acquitted, are also facing another murder case connected to the 2000 riots, with the court expected to deliver its verdict on 24 August.
Families of the victims expressed mixed emotions. “We waited for justice for over two decades. While we respect the court’s decision, we hope the other pending case will provide clarity and closure,” said Shahzad, a relative of the deceased.
The Malpura double murder case remains a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of communal riots in Rajasthan, with delayed justice highlighting the challenges faced by victims’ families, particularly within minority communities.
