STATE VIOLENCE

Y.P. Rajesh on Bangalore Violence, September, 1997

4 people killed for a patch of land littered with debris in Bangalore was a cruel reminder of the volatile passions that religion and rumours can evoke. A mob also destroyed nearly 50 vehicles and damaged property worth lakhs, besides shattering the calm of a Bangalore locality known for its peace. And as the misplaced rage of the affected parties’ simmers, the incident has created communal tension and suspicion.

The incident was sparked off by clashes between two groups within the Muslim community over differences about clearing debris that was part of the Idgah in the heart of Jayanagar. The debris on the small patch of land is part of the five-acre-plus property that was used as a burial ground till 1974 by Muslims. While a makeshift mosque was built on the property about five years ago, the patch with the debris jutted cato the busy Jayanagar thoroughfare.

Efforts have been made by the city corporation since the late '80s to clear the rubble and widen that part of the road to facilitate increased traffic. However, land itself was embroiled in a legal dispute. Though gifted by the Maharaja of Mysore in 1935, the title deed of the land was not given to the neighbouring Jama Masjid in Basavanagudi that managed the property. The High Court ordered maintenance of status quo.

As a result, removing the debris became a bone of contention between two groups within the community.

Violence was sparked off when those opposed to the debris removal pelted stones at a dredger that was brought to clear the rubbish. Rumours flew around of the makeshift mosque being demolished and all hell broke loose. Pockets of Muslim population in the surrounding areas erupted, leading to death and destruction. And the provocation being a place of worship inevitably lent communal overtones to the whole incident. The Hindus are being blamed for the violence.

While minister of state for home Roshan Baig and senior police officials - who acted promptly to check the violence - have denied any communal conflict, even Muslim elders admit it was an internal affair which went out of control. And the debris as well as the dispute will have to wait as the focus has now shifted to cooling passions.                                                         

 (Source: The Outlook, 29 September, 1997)

Human Sacrifice by Tantrik

A lady 'tantrik' and her two associates murdered Satpal Sharma of Janipura village in Jammu and two members of his family in order to seek a treasure buried under the Rajeshwari temple in Rajasthan. The accused 'tantrik' was prompted by a dream wherein goddess 'Kali' asked her to sacrifice a human being.

TADA: State wise Cases/Detention As on 30 September, 1997

The Centre and the State Governments have dropped cases against nearly 25,000 people, registered under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), in the past two years.

According to a status report prepared by the Home Ministry, there are currently 1,331 undertrials who have been detained under TADA.

The Union Home Ministry update stated that 24,576 people detained under TADA have been released ever since the Act was scrapped in late 1995 and the United Front Government came to power in June last year. Of the 15,000-odd cases registered under the Act. About 11,000 have been withdrawn altogether.

The Home Ministry update also states that bail has been granted to as many 15,368 people in the remaining 4,000 cases which are pending trial or under various stages of investigation. While 98% cases are pending trial, very few cases are under investigation with the police. These ac usually difficult cases where the accused are absconding and yet to be traced.

Persons Detained under TADA

*October 1996                                               

Sourced: MHA Press Release