The mysterious death of a Muslim youth, Aftab Ansari, in the Ramgarh district of the Indian state of Jharkhand has raised serious questions about the credibility of the Indian police, as he was murdered by Hindu extremists.
According to details, Aftab Ansari’s body was recovered from the riverbank on July 26, while the police claim that Aftab had escaped from their custody two days earlier.
Aftab Ansari, who worked at a shop named Arshi Garments, was targeted by police action on July 23 under allegations of sexual harassment, for which a case was registered. On the same day, three members of the Hindu Tiger Force attacked the shop.
The assailants brutally tortured Aftab, forcibly dragged him outside, hurled religious slurs at him, and disappeared with him. A statement from Aftab Ansari’s wife, Saleha Khatoon, has come forward.
The deceased’s wife, Saleha Khatoon, stated that the police arrived at the scene and took Aftab into their custody and left. The victim’s family says Aftab Ansari was never presented in any court. Suddenly, two days later, his body was found.
Police claim Aftab escaped from custody on July 24; however, Indian media, citing local residents and family members, reported that people do not agree with the police’s account.
As news of Aftab’s death emerged, a large number of local residents took to the streets on Saturday night and held a strong protest against the atrocities and brutality inflicted on Aftab.
Protesters believe the incident is rooted in religious hatred. The victim was tortured and killed by a mob of extremists, while Indian police have arrested a Hindu extremist who is accused of making serious allegations against the deceased.
