Responding to the latest NCRB Data, AIMMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi pointed to the systematic discrimination against Muslims
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – The data on the prisoners in Indian jails released by the National Crime Report Bureau revealed that Muslims account for 27.7 detainees while the community makes up 14.2% of India’s population.
The Prison Statistics of India (PSI) categorised the prisoners into four types – Convicts (the one who was convicted in any crime), Under-trials (the one who is on trial in the court of law), the Detainees (the one who was legally held) and other prisoners.
In 2021, India recorded a total of 3,470 detenues of which 962 (27.7%) were Muslims. Uttar Pradesh (126), Telangana (193), Tamil Nadu (193) and Gujarat (115) are the states where the highest number of detenues were Muslims. Haryana (100%), Rajasthan (100%) and Jammu and Kashmir (94%) are the states where the highest percentage of detenues are Muslims.
When it comes to the under-trials, out of a total of 4,27,165, 76,877 (17.9 %) are Muslims. Assam (49%), Jammu and Kashmir (69%), West Bengal (43%), Kerala (31%), Uttarakhand (30%)) and Delhi (28%) are the states where the highest percentage of Muslims are the under-trials.
When it comes to the convicts, out of a total of 1,22,852, 19,580 (15.9%) are Muslims. Assam (61%), West Bengal (32%), Jammu and Kashmir (53%) and Delhi (24%) are the states where the highest percentage of Muslims are convicts.
Maharashtra did not provide the religion-wise break-up of the under-trials and detenues.
The disproportionate presence of Muslims in India’s jails has been a big issue in India for a long time. Responding to the latest data, AIMMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi pointed to the systematic discrimination against Muslims.
“It’s the same story every year. Muslims are jailed even if they’re innocent in the eyes of law. Broken justice system & anti-Muslim attitudes of cops need urgent reforms. Data SCREAMS that Muslims face systemic discrimination. Where’s the “appeasement”,” tweeted Owaisi.