Thursday, March 28, 2024

Khargone: 12-year-old Muslim boy asked to pay Rs 2.9 lakh for property damage

A 12-year-old Muslim boy in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone has received a notice to pay Rs 2.9 lakh for allegedly damaging public property during the Ram Navami violence that took place in April this year.

His father, Kalu Khan, has also been asked to pay Rs 4.8 lakh by the state’s Claims Tribunal under the New and controversial Madhya Pradesh Prevention and Recovery of Damages to Public Property Act.

Anti-Muslim violence broke out in Khargone on 10 April this year after Ram Navami procession, objecting to loud and provocative music being played in the Talab Chowk area. One person was killed and at least 24 were injured in the violence. Ten houses were also burnt.

The law, which came into effect in January, allows the government to seek compensation from offenders who damage public and private properties during agitations.

In the case against Khan and his 12-year-old son, their Hindu neighbours have claimed that they robbed and vandalised their home during the violence.

“My son is a minor. We were sleeping when the riots happened. We want justice,” Khan said to the NDTV.

Though a plea seeking relief was moved by Khan’s lawyer before the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the court rejected the petition and asked Khan’s family to approach the tribunal. The tribunal also subsequently denied the plea.

“While the boy filed his objection before the Tribunal, it was rejected on vague grounds of civil procedure.” said Khan’s lawyer Ashhar Ali Warsi.

Khan’s son, 12-year-old is being tried along with 270 adults, 65% of them Muslim, according to Article 14. Under Indian law, a 12-year-old cannot be tried as an adult in any criminal proceeding in any Indian court. He can only be tried by a juvenile justice board, according to the law. 

Following the violence, on 11 April, Madhya Pradesh arbitrarily authorities demolished the homes and shops of Muslims in Khargone. The selective demolitions were widely condemned by the Muslim groups and rights bodies across India.

spot_img

Don't Miss

Related Articles