By S.M.A. Kazmi
Dehradun: It can be termed a classic case of ‘targeting’ a Muslim in Uttarakhand without any distinction, by the ‘Hindutva’ forces allegedly unleashed by the ruling BJP/RSS combine. Even ‘nationalist’ credentials of serving in the Indian Army could not save a retired Muslim Army officer from being targeted by the so-called ‘Hindutva’ forces. Interestingly, his being a ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader also could not save him.
The retired Army officer was not only accused of having “a Pakistani connection and providing education to ‘Talibanis’” and also being “anti-Hindu”. While, the local police refused to help the beleaguered Army veteran by filing a case against such elements, he has been left to fighting a case in the local court for the past two years just to get a First Information Report (FIR) lodged against four alleged accused who, he says “created a nasty vilification campaign against the retired Muslim Army officer on social media, tried to inflame communal passions, gathered a mob against him with an alleged attempt to harm him and even blackmailed him to part with money.”
The former Army officer had to fight a long legal battle in the court of the Judicial Magistrate, Vikasnagar in Dehradun district for two years to get an order asking the police to lodge a case against four persons, namely, Rakesh Tomar alias Rakesh Tomar Uttarakhandi, Girish Chander Dalakot, Bhupendra Dogra and Solanki.
Finally, on December 7, 2024, the Vikasnagar police lodged a case under Sections 386, 505 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code against these persons, but till date no action has been taken against them.
Rakesh Tomar Uttarkhandi, president of the Rudra Sena, was also allegedly involved in the Purola ‘Love Jehad’ case and resultant targeting of Muslims in Uttarkashi district in the summer of 2023. The Purola case was later proved to be false and motivated in a court of law.
This story was originally published in newsclick.in. Read the full story here.