17 October, 2024;Asaduddin Owaisi, the prominent leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has voiced his concern over the alleged encounter of the accused in the Bahraich violence case by the Uttar Pradesh police. He has raised significant questions about the state’s handling of such incidents and the prevalent law enforcement tactics under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Owaisi’s remarks underscore the controversy surrounding extra-judicial killings and encounters, which have become a recurring topic of debate in Uttar Pradesh. The phrase “Thoko Denge” (a colloquial term meaning “we will shoot them”) has been associated with Yogi Adityanath’s tough-on-crime approach, which often prioritizes aggressive law enforcement methods over legal procedures. Owaisi, in his statement, pointed out that the truth about these alleged encounters is not difficult to uncover, as it is evident to many that such tactics are a reflection of the government’s policy under Yogi’s administration.
He questioned why, if the police truly had ample evidence against the accused, the matter was not pursued through legal channels to ensure proper judicial punishment. Owaisi argued that in a democratic and lawful society, the proper course of action would be to allow the courts to decide guilt and mete out punishments based on solid legal evidence. His comments indicate a deep concern that the rule of law is being overshadowed by the use of extrajudicial measures, which erodes public trust in justice.
Owaisi has long been a vocal critic of heavy-handed policing and the potential abuse of power in states like Uttar Pradesh, where the police are often accused of taking matters into their own hands. He has frequently advocated for stronger legal safeguards and accountability to prevent the misuse of authority. His recent comments on the Bahraich incident reflect his continuing commitment to upholding constitutional rights and ensuring that the justice system remains the ultimate arbiter of crime and punishment, rather than the police force acting unilaterally.
As this case draws further public attention, it adds to the broader discourse around the balance between law enforcement and civil rights, with many calling for greater scrutiny of such encounters in the state.
