Maharashtra: Investigation transferred to Kudal Police Station in case where man was forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ | Representational Image
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has transferred the investigation of complaints filed by a Chembur resident, Asif Ahmed Shaikh, from Kankavli police station to Kudal police station in Sindhudurg district. Shaikh alleged that he was manhandled and forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram” by a group of students while traveling by train on January 19, 2024.
On Wednesday, the state informed the Bombay High Court of the transfer, citing allegations of bias against Kankavli police due to interference from a “local politician.” The case will now be supervised by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sawantwadi.
Shaikh, 37, had initially filed an FIR at Panvel police station, which was later transferred to Kankavli. He alleged that when he objected to a group of 30-40 students creating a nuisance in the train compartment, one of them forced him to chant “Jai Shri Ram.” When he refused, he was abused, manhandled, and threatened.
On January 25, Shaikh and his wife were detained at Kankavli police station for several hours over a cross-FIR, allegedly filed at the behest of a politician. He claimed that officers pressured him to withdraw his initial complaint and abused him. After his release, Shaikh was allegedly assaulted again at his native place. He filed another FIR against 12 persons, whom he suspected to be supporters of the politician.
Shaikh’s advocate, Gautam Kanchanpurkar, contended that the Kankavli police were biased and influenced by political pressure. He also alleged that officers at Panvel police station were reluctant to register his complaint and tried to shield the accused. His plea sought an inquiry against the concerned officers and action against them.
During an earlier hearing, the high court had asked the state whether the probe could be transferred to another police station “to ensure fairness.” In response, State advocate Prajakta Shinde informed the court that the Superintendent of Police had transferred the investigation to Kudal police station. She also assured that CCTV footage from Kankavli and Panvel police stations had been preserved and would be part of the chargesheet.
A bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Neela Gokhale noted that police protection granted to Shaikh on May 16, 2024, was now withdrawn, as per a report stating no current threat perception. However, the court clarified that he could apply for protection in the future if needed. The bench then disposed of the petition.
