Rehabilitation and compensation for the affected family sought
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has called for urgent intervention by the Rajasthan High Court, condemning what it described as “bulldozer justice” in the wake of a tragic stabbing incident in Udaipur. The controversy centres around the demolition of the home of a Muslim family, following the involvement of a minor family member in a stabbing that led to the death of a fellow student. The PUCL has questioned the legality and fairness of the state’s actions, accusing the administration of selective and discriminatory enforcement of the law.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, PUCL representatives, including President Kavita Srivastava, Rajasthan unit President Bhanwar Meghvanshi, General Secretary Anant Bhatnagar, Udaipur unit President Arun Vyas, and General Secretary Mohd. Yakub, outlined their concerns. The letter highlights the sequence of events that unfolded after the stabbing incident on August 16, which created tension in the city.
The stabbing occurred at a local school when a Muslim student allegedly attacked his Hindu classmate, Devraj Mochi. Devraj, who suffered serious injuries, fought for his life in MB Hospital for four days before succumbing to his injuries on Monday. His death has intensified the situation, leading to widespread unrest and protests.
In a bid to maintain peace, the authorities imposed a shutdown of internet services across Udaipur on the night of August 16. All educational institutions were closed on Tuesday. However, tensions escalated after Devraj’s death, with his family refusing to accept the body until the perpetrator was brought to justice. The government intervened, offering the family ₹51 lakh in compensation, a job for a family member, and assurances of swift justice through a fast-track court. This placated the family, allowing for the peaceful cremation of Devraj under tight security on Tuesday.
Amidst this turmoil, the accused student’s family members find themselves on the streets, their home demolished by the Forest Department on the pretext of violating the Wildlife Protection Act. The PUCL letter reveals that the family was served a notice by the Forest Department on August 16, instructing them to vacate their home by August 20. The department claimed the house was built on land within a protected area. However, the letter notes that more than 200 other homes in the area have been left untouched, suggesting the demolition was an act of targeted harassment.
“The state administration’s actions appear to be driven by a desire to incite communal tension,” the PUCL’s letter reads. “This selective enforcement of the law, which only targets a single family in a neighbourhood full of similar houses, is not just unfair — it is unlawful.”
The PUCL further criticised the timing of the demolition, noting that it occurred before the family had a chance to challenge the eviction in court. The use of a JCB bulldozer to demolish the home, leaving the family homeless, has sparked outrage, with many questioning the state’s motives.
“This pick-and-choose approach by the administration is a blatant violation of the principles of natural justice,” PUCL chief Kavita Srivastava stated. “It raises serious questions about the intent behind the state’s actions, especially given the communal dynamics at play.”
The letter also references past instances where the Supreme Court has condemned similar practices of ‘bulldozer justice’ in several states. The PUCL has urged the Rajasthan High Court to take immediate action to prevent further escalation and to ensure the rule of law is upheld.
“We are calling on the high court to intervene immediately. The judicial system’s relevance is at stake here,” the PUCL chief added. “This kind of extra-legal action must not be allowed to continue, as it sets a dangerous precedent.”
The PUCL has also demanded that the evicted family be provided with compensation and rehabilitation, arguing that the demolition was illegal and carried out in a discriminatory manner. They have called for legal action against the officials responsible for the eviction.
The situation has left the accused student’s family in a precarious position, with no home and little support. Friends and relatives are reportedly reluctant to offer shelter, fearing they too might face retribution from the authorities.
In closing, the PUCL’s letter has made a strong appeal for the high court to take control of the investigation, citing a lack of faith in the local police and administration to handle the case impartially.
“The family of the accused student has been made to bear the brunt of a crime they did not commit. This is not justice,” said Bhanwar Meghvanshi. “The high court must step in to prevent further injustices and to restore faith in the legal process.”
