Even Hindi films follow procedures: HC on Assam police bulldozing houses of accused | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Even Hindi films follow procedures: HC on Assam police bulldozing houses of accused

By, Guwahati
Nov 19, 2022 12:09 AM IST

The Gauhati high court has pulled up Assam Police for demolishing the houses of five people accused of burning a police station in Nagaon district in May, stating that even in films, police follow procedure before taking any action.

The Gauhati high court has pulled up Assam Police for demolishing the houses of five people accused of burning a police station in Nagaon district in May, stating that even in films, police follow procedure before taking any action.

Assam police in Nagaon district had demolished the homes of five Muslims on May 22, less than 24 hours after an irate mob torched the Batadrava police station on fire over the alleged custodial death of fish seller Safikul Islam. (Reuters/Representational)
Assam police in Nagaon district had demolished the homes of five Muslims on May 22, less than 24 hours after an irate mob torched the Batadrava police station on fire over the alleged custodial death of fish seller Safikul Islam. (Reuters/Representational)

Police in Nagaon district had demolished the homes of five Muslims on May 22, less than 24 hours after an irate mob torched the Batadrava police station on fire over the alleged custodial death of fish seller Safikul Islam.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Hearing a suo motu PIL on Thursday in connection with the demolitions, the court took a strong stand against the police proceeding without proper orders.

“Show me from any criminal jurisprudence that for investigating a crime, the police, without any order, can uproot a person or apply a bulldozer. The SP [Superintendent of Police] requires permission to dig up or bulldoze a house. Only because they head the police department, they can’t break anybody’s house,” said chief justice RM Chhaya.

Leena Doley was the SP of Nagaon at the time. While it was alleged that Islam was tortured to death for refusing to pay bribes, the police maintained that he was picked up in a drunken state and released later.

Responding to government counsel D Nath’s submission that drugs and other contraband were found from the razed houses, the chief justice said there was no law that permitted the police to take such steps without following procedure.

“Nobody is safe in this country if that is permitted. Procedure has to be followed. Which law permits you to do this? Without prior permission of the court, you can’t even search somebody’s house. It is unheard of. With my limited career in the Bar, I have not come across any police officer using the bulldozer by way of a search operation,” said the chief justice.

In a lighter vein, he suggested that the Nagaon SP convey the story of the demolitions to a popular director so he can make a film on the subject.

After the houses were demolished, police had stated that they were constructed illegally on government land using forged documents and that the inhabitants were involved in drug dealing and other criminal activities.

“Even in films (when police dig up someone’s house) they show the order first... Is this a gang war or a police operation? One can understand if this happens in a gang war. That one person of one gang uproots the house (of another from a different gang) with a bulldozer,” said the judge on Thursday.

“We are in a democratic set up. Tomorrow, if someone enters the courtroom and sits here, your police authorities will remove the chairs under the guise of investigation. What type of investigation (if this)?” he added.

The CJ stated that even if there are drugs or some other contraband involved, police need to approach the magistrate and take permission before demolishing someone’s house.

The matter came up for hearing on Friday as well and at the request of the government counsel, it was adjourned till December 13.

Besides the houses in Nagaon, police in Assam have razed three madrasas this year following arrests of persons connected to them for alleged jihadi activities.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Utpal is a Senior Assistant Editor based in Guwahati. He covers seven states of North-East India and heads the editorial team for the region. He was previously based in Kathmandu, Dehradun and Delhi with Hindustan Times.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On