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Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh: In a recent development in the Chhatarpur stone pelting case, Fatima Khatoon, daughter of the main accused Haji Shahzad Ali, has spoken out, defending her father and criticizing the police’s actions. Her statement has added a new dimension to the ongoing controversy surrounding the incident, where 43 individuals have been arrested and sent to jail.
Background of the Incident
The police arrested Haji Shahzad Ali, naming him the main accused in the stone pelting incident that took place at a police station in Chhatarpur district on August 21. So far, authorities have detained 43 individuals in connection with the event, which saw tensions escalate in the area. However, as the case unfolds, Fatima Khatoon has come forward with her perspective, defending her father’s innocence.
“My Father Did Not Lead the Crowd,” Says Fatima
Speaking to the media, Fatima Khatoon asserted that her father, Haji Shahzad Ali, had no role in leading the crowd to the police station. According to her, the real instigator of the crowd was the city’s Sadar, Javed Ali, and not her father.
“When the incident occurred, my father went to the police station alone, without any crowd. The crowd was led by Javed Ali. My father is innocent in this matter,” Fatima stated, countering the police narrative that accuses Haji Shahzad Ali of leading the attack.
Citing Supreme Court’s Ruling Against Demolition
Fatima also highlighted a key legal point, referring to a ruling by the Supreme Court, which, according to her, prohibits the demolition of an accused person’s house. She criticized the bulldozer action carried out against her family’s property and deemed it illegal, further calling the entire police action against her father unjust.
Political Leaders Show Support for Haji Shahzad’s Family
On Wednesday, a delegation of leaders from the India Alliance visited Haji Shahzad Ali’s family, expressing their solidarity and condemning the government’s actions. Among the political figures were Congress leader and former minister Raja Pataria, CPM state secretary Jaswinder Singh, former MP Kankar Munjare, and representatives from various other parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Samajwadi Party (SP).
The leaders called the bulldozer action “wrong” and met with other accused individuals who are currently in jail for their involvement in the stone pelting case. Fatima mentioned that leaders from five political parties had visited her family and offered their support during this challenging time.
SP Leaders Face Tough Questions
However, not all was smooth for the visiting leaders. When an SP representative was questioned by the media about whether they condemned the stone pelting incident, the leader admitted that the act of violence was wrong. Yet, when pressed on why the same political response was not seen in previous bulldozer actions in the district, the SP leader remained silent and left the scene without answering.
The case continues to draw attention as both political and legal dimensions unfold, and the public awaits further developments. Fatima Khatoon’s defense of her father and her invocation of the Supreme Court’s judgment adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing legal battle.