The High Court was hearing a writ petition filed by rights activist Shakir Tamboli wherein he had sought for judicial intervention to direct the state government “to take immediate action” against Pawaskar based on two FIRs filed against him. Urging for Pawaskar’s “prosecution and arrest”, the petitioner had also sought for the transfer of the probe in this case to a court-monitored special investigation team.

Brief of the September anti-Muslim attack:

In the month of September of 2023, anti-Muslim violence had taken place in the erstwhile quiet and harmonious Satara district of Maharashtra. On September 10, two posts/comments allegedly surfaced from the social media accounts of Altamash and Muzzamil Bagwan. While Muzzamil’s alleged post contained derogatory references to Shivaji, Altamash’s alleged comments contained derogatory comments about Sita. As both the aforementioned individual were by the police for investigation, on September 10 itself, a mob of approximately 200 to 250 people, some from neighbouring villages like Wadgaon gathered in Datta chowk at around 9.30pm. The mob was allegedly “enraged” by the alleged posts of Altamash and Muzammil. To showcase their “anger”, the said mob attacked shops owned by Muslims on their way from Datta chowk to the Jama Mosque. 

Details of the anti-Muslim riot that took place in Satara can be read here.

A report by theWire highlights that in reference to the case on the violence attack on a mosque, at least six independent witnesses have testified before a magistrate under section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. These witnesses include those who had overheard Pawaskar and others at the conspiracy meeting and those attacked at the mosque have given elaborate details of Pawaskar’s direct involvement.

FIRs filed against Vikram Pawaskar:

As per the writ petition filed at the Bombay High Court, under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the petitioners have shed light upon the two instances of hate speeches delivered by the BJP leader. As per the petition, on January 24, 2023, Pawaskar made a hate speech targeting the Muslim community and uttered derogatory words against the religious minority community. These speeches were made in front of an audience of 3000 to 3500. As per the submission made by the petitioner through the petition, the speeches of Pawaskar incited hate, enmity, and violence by using derogatory words against the Muslim community. It is pertinent here to highlight that the FIR filed at Vita Police Station in the case on May 11, 2023 records that Pavaskar repeatedly used the derogatory word “Landya (meaning circumcised)” while referring to the Muslim Community and gave calls to communal violence and killings of Muslims in his speeches. The said FIR booked Pawaskar under sections 153A, 295A and 34 of the IPC.

The writ petition also mentions another instance of hate speech that took place on June 2, 2023. As had been reported by Sabrang India, on June 2, a gathering was arranged by Shiv Pratisthan Hindustan in Islampur. During this event, in the presence of police officers, Pawaskar made an incendiary speech that had anti-Muslim sentiments. He mentioned historical figures such as Tipu Sultan, and made derogatory comments about their lineage. Additionally, he also made remarks about the so-called bogey of “love jihad” as he called for unity among Hindus and also asserted that India should become a Hindu Rashtra. An FIR against the said hate speech delivered by Pawaskar was registered at the Ialampur Police stated under sections 153A, 295A and 298 of the IPC.It is essential to highlight here that in regards to the hate speech delivered by Pawaskar in June,

A detailed report of the hate speeches along with the videos of the same can be accessed here.

The proceedings before the court:

Petitioners: Senior counsel Mihir Desai and advocate Lara Jesani represented Tamboli in the court. During the hearing on February 9, it was submitted by the counsels that the police took no immediate steps to arrest Pawaskar despite two separate incidents of alleged hate speeches having been delivered by him in Sangli’s Vita (January 24) and Islampur (June 2). It was also highlighted by the counsels that the police had video graphed the event and had also registered an FIR against him.

State: The state government, represented through public prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar, had submitted one affidavit in the High Court regarding the Satara case, granting clean chit to Pawaskar in the case. It is essential to highlight here that in the said Satara case, in the initial FIR filed by the Satara police on September 11, 2023, a total of 28 accused had been named. In the Supplementary statement recorded by the Satara Police on September 13, 2023, in which they had cited a complainant who had stated that a meeting had been held by BJP leader Pawaskar on August 21. The said meeting had been organised at the house of another accused, Sangram Dadaso Mali, in Karad, 28 kms from Pusesavali. The same is important to note as at least 27 of those accused of rioting on September 10 were present for this particular meeting as per the petition. As per the petition, the supplementary statement provides that Pawaskar directed those in the meeting to target Muslims and planned an attack to damage vehicles and property, cause communal violence and lynching. Notably, the police had added Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code after the statement related to Pawaskar was added in the FIR. However, Pawaskar’s name could not be found in the final chargesheet or in the list of accused. 

Notably, the aforementioned affidavit granting clean chit to Pawaskar had been filed in response to the observations made by a division bench of justices Manjusha Deshpande and Revati Mohite Dere during the last hearing of the case. On January 24, the judges had taken note of the seriousness of the charges levelled by the petitioner against the police and Pawaskar, had asked the police to file an affidavit in the court stating the reason behind lack of initiation of action against Pawaskar.

To read the details of the January 24 hearing, click here.

As per a report of times of India, the police had also sought time to file another on the Sangli cases. The arguments raised by the State emphasised that the police were following the necessary process in taking action.

Intervention: Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, representing BJP leader Pawaskar, also sought to intervene in the case stating that the demands made through the said plea affected his client’s rights and thus he was required to be made a party to the said petition. The request to intervene by Advocate Chandrachud was not considered by the High Court as no written application for intervention had been submitted in the court. 

Observations made by the Court:

Notably, as per the report of the TOI, when the bench raised questions to the prosecution on their lack of action against Pawaskar, the counsel representing the state informed the court that the police were waiting for a forensic report of the videography done at the event. Reacting to the same, the bench expressed surprise over the need for a forensic examination of the video that the police had themselves recorded.

The court asked the state several questions on its inaction regarding the two FIRs in Sangli. 

Based on the arguments raised by the petitioners, the Bombay HC bench division bench pointed towards the inadequacy of the state government in taking required action against the petition seeking the arrest of BJP leader Vikram Pawaskar for his alleged role. 

The next hearing of the case will take place on March 5. 

Related:

Hate Offender: BJP state VP, Vikram Pawaskar uses abuse and intimidation against Satara’s Muslims, wants “Hindu Rashtra”

Muslims, victims of targeted violence in Pusesavali, Satara: Fact-finding report

Pay compensation to Nurul Hasan Shikalgar’s family, order independent judicial inquiry: Satara Citizens to Maharashtra Govt

File a criminal case against Vikram Pavaskar, Shiv Pratisthan Hindustan demand citizens and social organisations

The post Bombay HC: Maha govt to place affidavit on steps taken in cases of hate speech, reason for inadequacy in action on BJP leader for alleged role in mosque attack, hate speech appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Even after reporting hate speeches, filing complaints and lodging First Information Reports (FIRs) against speakers, ensuring that action is taking in pursuance to the said FIRs is as big a task as one can imagine, evidenced by the number of hate offenders and hate speakers roaming freely even after having multiple FIRs against their names for making provocative speeches. Repeated hate speaker and Maharashtra state BJP Vice-President Vikram Pawaskar is one such influential leader of the ruling BJP party who has been benefitting from the sleepy process of “justice” being employed by the police. The situation is such that the petitioners have had to approach the Bombay High Court by filing a criminal writ petition to urge the courts to direct the state of Maharashtra to take immediate action against Pawaskar in view of the FIRs lodged in 2023 and investigate, arrest and prosecute all the accused.

It is highlighted here that the final chargesheet filed in the case on December 18, 2023, does not include Pawaskar’s name. Regarding the same, in its order, the Bombay High court bench had directed the Satara police and the Sangli police to submit responses on the FIRs related to speeches made by Pawaskar in Sangli and on the chargesheet where his name remains missing.

With this, the petitioner has also demanded the transfer the investigation of the case to a court monitored Special Investigation Team if the court feels pertinent. The petitioners have specifically prayed that Vikram Pawaskar, who enabled the hate speech event by conspiring to commit communal violence and made at least two hate speeches, be arraigned.

It is essential to note that the High Court bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Manjusha Deshpande have also directed the police to ensure protection for the petitioner and witnesses in the case.

Details of the anti-Muslim riot:

In the month of September of 2023, anti-Muslim violence had taken place in the erstwhile quiet and harmonious Satara district of Maharashtra. On September 10, two posts/comments allegedly surfaced from the social media accounts of Altamash and Muzzamil Bagwan. While Muzzamil’s alleged post contained derogatory references to Shivaji, Altamash’s alleged comments contained derogatory comments about Sita. As both the aforementioned individual were by the police for investigation, on September 10 itself, a mob of approximately 200 to 250 people, some from neighbouring villages like Wadgaon gathered in Datta chowk at around 9.30pm. The mob was allegedly “enraged” by the alleged posts of Altamash and Muzammil.

To showcase their “anger”, the said mob attacked shops owned by Muslims on their way from Datta chowk to the Jama Mosque. As per a fact-finding report of the Centre for the Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS), a small mosque which fell in the way of the mob was also attacked and the Quran in it was burnt. When the mob reached the Jama Mosque around 9.45 pm, the mob torched seven to eight vehicles parked outside the Mosque as well as pelted stones on the shops near it owned by the Muslims. There were around 14 devotees in the Jama Mosque, all of whom were beaten up and sustained serious injuries. Nurul Hasan Shikalgar, an engineer who owned an earth moving machinery (JCB), was present in the mosque and was attacked on his head fatally leading to his death on the spot. According to eye witnesses, there were not more than 5 to 6 police personnel present at the sites of violence and didn’t help in protecting the property or lives of the Muslims.  From 9.30pm to 11pm, the Muslim residents were attacked brazenly. The mob was equipped with sticks, iron rods, petrol, bricks and stones.

The FIRs, chargesheet filed in the anti-Muslim violence case:

The initial FIR filed by the Satara police on September 11 named 28 accused. Nine more names were added later. In the said FIR, sections 302, 307, 324, 141, 143, 147, 148, 149, 427, 435, 449, and 450 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 were used. Among the ones booked are Rahul Kadam and Shriram Joshi who were accused of having hit civil engineer Hassan on his head, leading to injuries that caused his death.

On September 13, a supplementary statement was recorded by the Satara police in which they had cited a complainant who had stated that a meeting had been held by BJP leader Pawaskar on August 21. The said meeting had been organised at the house of another accused, Sangram Dadaso Mali, in Karad, 28 kms from Pusesavali. The same is important to note as at least 27 of those accused of rioting on September 10 were present for this particular meeting as per the petition. As per the petition, the supplementary statement provides that Pawaskar directed those in the meeting to target Muslims and planned an attack to damage vehicles and property, cause communal violence and lynching. Notably, the police had added Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code after the statement related to Pawaskar was added in the FIR.

However, as pointed out by us above, Pawaskar’s name cannot be found in the final chargesheet or in the list of accused. A report of Scroll provides that when contacted, Satara superintendent Sameer Shaikh declined to comment. A police official told Scroll that Pawaskar’s name has not been officially added to the main FIR.

The role played by Vikram Pawaskar as per the writ petition:

As per the writ petition filed at the Bombay High Court, under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the petitioners have shed light upon the two instances of hate speeches delivered by the BJP leader. As per the petition, on January 24, 2023, Pawaskar made a hate speech targeting the Muslim community and uttered derogatory words against the religious minority community. These speeches were made in front of an audience of 3000 to 3500. As per the submission made by the petitioner through the petition, the speeches of Pawaskar incited hate, enmity, and violence by using derogatory words against the Muslim community. It is pertinent here to highlight that the FIR filed at Vita Police Station in the case on May 11, 2023 records that Pavaskar repeatedly used the derogatory word “Landya (meaning circumcised)” while referring to the Muslim Community and gave calls to communal violence and killings of Muslims in his speeches. The said FIR booked Pawaskar under sections 153A, 295A and 34 of the IPC.

The writ petition also mentions another instance of hate speech that took place on June 2, 2023. As had been reported by Sabrang India, on June 2, a gathering was arranged by Shiv Pratisthan Hindustan in Islampur. During this event, in the presence of police officers, Pawaskar made an incendiary speech that had anti-Muslim sentiments. He mentioned historical figures such as Tipu Sultan, and made derogatory comments about their lineage. Additionally, he also made remarks about the so-called bogey of “love jihad” as he called for unity among Hindus and also asserted that India should become a Hindu Rashtra. An FIR against the said hate speech delivered by Pawaskar was registered at the Ialampur Police stated under sections 153A, 295A and 298 of the IPC.It is essential to highlight here that in regards to the hate speech delivered by Pawaskar in June,

A detailed report of the hate speeches along with the videos of the same can be accessed here.

As mentioned above, the writ petition also emphasised upon the role played by Pawaskar in instigating the mob to indulge in anti-Muslim violence.

Issue of inaction by the police against Pawaskar:

Through the writ petition filed by the petitioner in the High Court, the issue of inaction by the police in furtherance to the FIRs filed had been emphasised by the petitioners. The petitioner has also highlighted that even after the first FIR was filed against Pawaskar, no preventive action was employed by the police prior to his future speeches as has been directed by the Supreme Court through multiple orders given in the Shaheen Abdullah case. The petitioner has also pointed out in the plea that even after sending letters to the police officer concerned, marking the DGP Maharashtra as well, demanding prosecution of Pawaskar, no replies were received by the petitioner.

The petitioner has sharply pointed out in the petition that had any action been taken against Pawaskar by the police, the riots of September and “incidents of inciting hate would not have arisen.” (Para 13)

The petition states that even as some individuals were arrested in connection with the September anti-Muslim violence, no action was taken against Pawaskar, who has been accused of committing grave crimes such as incitement of violence, criminal conspiracy. Conspiracy to commit offences such as murder etc. these offences form cognisable and non-bailable offences, and yet no action has been taken by the police against the BJP leader.

The petitioner has also termed it to be “shocking” that Pawaskar’s name has not even been included in the accused list in the chargesheet. The petition stated “It is shocking that in spite such serious charges and in spite of being clearly named as the conspirator of targeted violence and murder, no steps have been taken to arraign Mr. Vikram Pavaskar as am accused for the heinous crime of instigating and organising a communal riot to commit killing and breach the peace in the city.” (Para 16)

The petition then elaborates the statements given by six witnesses, recorded under section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which highlight the role that Pawaskar played in the happening of the said violence, including in directly conspiring to plan the mob violence that took place on September 10 and assuring the mob that no consequences would befall them.

It is the case of the petitioners through the plea that the failure of the police officials to act in accordance too all the three FIRs filed against Pawaskar “permitted him to continue engaging in hateful rhetoric against the Muslim community on several occasions. As per the petition, the said inaction by the relevant police violates several fundamental rights and constitutional principles, including the right to life, equality, non-discrimination, secularism, fraternity and religious tolerance.

It is also essential to highlight here that in regards to the hate speech delivered by Pawaskar in June, several citizens and social organisations had submitted a memorandum to Police Inspector Shashikant Chavan of Islampur police station raising demands of immediate criminal charges and investigation into the provocative statements by Pavaskar and the organisers of the event, Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan in Islampur on June 2. The memorandum had relied on recent orders of the Supreme Court, wherein the police administration has been directed to keep a close watch, videography of such events, ensure no hate speeches are given and if they are, they should be prosecuted. It is the duty of all citizens to ensure that no hate speech or violation of law or disturbance of public order takes place, they stated.

Order of the Bombay High Court (January 19, 2024):

In the said order, the bench noted the submissions made by the petitioner of the case. The main arguments forwarded by the bench highlight the lack of action taken by the police despite two FIRs being filed on the incidents of hate speech.

“The Petitioner submits that despite two incidences of hate-speech having taken place on 24 January 2023 and 2 June 2023, at Sangli, no steps have been taken by the police to arrest the person who gave the hate-speech. She submitted that as far as the incident of 24 January 2023 is concerned, the case was registered by the police only on 11 May 2023, after making several representations to the police for registration of an FIR.” (Para 2)

Referring to the role of Pawaskar in incitement of anti-Muslim violence in September, the court noted the submission of the petitioner as: “According to the counsel for the Petitioner, one Vikram Pavaskar had incited/instigated Sangram Mane and others to vandalize the mosque and to fuel communal violence. She submits that the police have arrested only Sangram Mane, in whose house the alleged conspiracy took place, however, have not taken any steps vis–a–vis Vikram Pavaskar.” (Para 3)

The court noted that no action has been taken by either Vita Police Station or Islampur Police Station in the hate speech FIRs filed against Pawaskar. Furthermore, the court noted that “The counsel for the petitioner also submits that despite the police having video recorded the incident of June 2, 2023, as directed by the Apex Court, no steps were taken for immediate the arrest of the persons under Section 151 of Cr.P.C.” (Para 4)

In its order, in view of the observations made, the Court asks Mr. Venegaonkar, the Public Prosecutor, to submit their response by February 2, 2024.

Recording the apprehension of danger to life of the petitioner and the life of the witnesses who have given their statement in the said case, the bench urged the public prosecutor to speak to the superior authorities and take the appropriate steps to provide protection to the petitioners.

The complete order can be read here:

Related:

Hate Offender: BJP state VP, Vikram Pawaskar uses abuse and intimidation against Satara’s Muslims, wants “Hindu Rashtra”

Muslims, victims of targeted violence in Pusesavali, Satara: Fact-finding report

Pay compensation to Nurul Hasan Shikalgar’s family, order independent judicial inquiry: Satara Citizens to Maharashtra Govt

File a criminal case against Vikram Pavaskar, Shiv Pratisthan Hindustan demand citizens and social organisations

The post Why no action against hate monger, BJP leader, Vikram Pawaskar asks Bombay HC appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Civil society groups have agitated and written to authorities about his hate speech made in June, 2023. Many people from Satara, especially from marginalised groups, who faced the violence have even called for his arrest, claiming he played an instrumental role in the September 2023 Satara violence which led to violent attacks on Muslim property, mosques, and even led to one young Muslim man being murdered and several others injured and arrested.

However, even prior to the Satara anti-Muslim violence, which took place in August and September 2023, Pawaskar’s right-wing, anti-Muslim proclivities have been widely observed and are documented.

April, 2023

Satara seems to have been a targeted location for igniting communal flare-ups way before the violence in August and September took place. In April 2023, a number of organisations, including the BJP and other Hindutva outfits, came together in their demand for strict action against officials in Satara district, Maharashtra for not dealing strictly with the “construction of an allegedly illegally constructed mosque in Phaltan, Satara”.

During the press conference, Pawaskar called for the demolition of the mosque in accordance with the state government’s “orders”. Pawaskar also stated that unless the Satara district administration promptly suspended the officers in question and initiated an inquiry, and unless the illegal construction was dismantled within a month, they would proceed with the construction of a Maruti (Hanuman) Temple just in front of the mosque! H also “warned” that if any violence or controversy erupts over this issue, then this would be the responsibility of the administration.

June 2023

According to Sabrang India, on June 2, a gathering was arranged by Shiv Pratisthan Hindustan in Islampur. During this event, in the presence of police officers, Vikram Pawaskar made an incendiary speech that had anti-Muslim sentiments. He mentioned historical figures such as Tipu Sultan, and made derogatory comments about their lineage. Additionally, he also made remarks about the so-called bogey of “love jihad” as he called for unity among Hindus and also asserted that India should become a Hindu Rashtra.

“इस्लामपूर मध्ये एखाद्या भाभी च्या पोटामध्ये अफझलखान सारखी औलाद, औरंग्यासारखी औलाद ज्यांचा बाप टिपू सुलतान आहे या इस्लामपूर मध्ये अश्या टिपू सुलतान सारखी औलाद किंवा परवा आपल्या ताईला कश्या पद्धतीने मारलं दिल्लीमध्ये त्या लांड्यासारखी औलाद जर जन्म घेत असेल तर त्याच ठिकाणी मेली पाहिजे. छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज कि जय. जय भवानी जय शिवाजी. जय श्री राम, जय श्री राम, जय श्री राम. १००% मरणार. परंतु हे भगवाध्वज आपल्या सर्वांचे श्रद्धास्थान छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज, आपल्या सर्वांचे प्रेरणास्थान परमपूज्य.

The video may be viewed here:

Translation: In Islampur, a childlike Afzal Khan, a childlike Aurangya, whose father is Tipu Sultan, in Islampur, a childlike Tipu Sultan in Ishwarpur, or how Parva killed his father the other day, if a child like that lady in Delhi is born, then it should die there. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai. Jai Bhawani Jai Shivaji. Jai Shri Ram, Jai Shri Ram, Jai Shri Ram. 100% will die. But this saffron flag is the place of worship of all of us, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the inspiration of all of us.”

He further spoke, “आपल्या मुलींना, आपल्या बहिणींना पळवलं जात आणि लव्ह-जिहाद च शिकार केलं जात. हिंदू धर्मातील स्त्री-धन नष्ट व्हावं, अश्या दृष्टिकोनातून जिहादी लोक प्रयत्न करत आहेत. त्यांना सडेतोड उत्तर आपण सर्वजणांनी मिळून दिल पाहिजे. वर्ण जाती विसरून जाऊ, हिंदू सारे एक होऊ. हिंदू धर्मातील जाती भेद बाजूला ठेवून छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांची, धर्मवीर संभाजी महाराजांच्या रक्तगटाची पिढी निर्माण व्हावी त्यासाठी प्रत्येकाने प्रयत्न केला पाहिजे. तो जर प्रयत्न आपण केला नाही तर मला अस वाटतंय कि २०४७ साली जी हि लांडी ओरडत्यात कि आम्ही इस्लामिक देश करणार आहे तर त्या दृष्टीने १००% ते वाटचाल करत आहेत. मला तुम्हाला प्रश्न विचारायचा आहे भारत हा हिंदुराष्ट्र झाला पाहिजे का नाही?

श्रोते :- झाला पाहिजे.

आवाज येत नाही.

श्रोते :- झाला पाहिजे.

भारत हा हिंदुराष्ट्र झालाच पाहिजे. हिंदू राष्ट्र होता, आहे आणि होणारच आहे. हि अशी मारणार नाही. मला असा वाटतंय कि येणाऱ्या काळामध्ये त्यांच्यावर आपल्याला बहिष्कार टाकला पाहिजे. बहिष्कार म्हणजे काय तर ज्याच्या कपाळी टिळा त्याच्याशीच व्यवहार पाळा. ज्याच्या कपाळी नाही टिळा त्याच्याशी व्यवहार टाळा. प्रत्येक इस्लामपूर मधील माता भगिनी असतील.

Translation: Our daughters, our sisters are abducted and hunted for love-jihad. Jihadists are trying to destroy women and wealth in Hinduism. We should all give them a comprehensive answer. Let’s forget caste and caste, all Hindus will be united. Caste differences in Hinduism should be kept aside, everyone should try to create a generation of the blood group of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj. If we don’t make that effort, I think that in 2047, those who are shouting that we are going to make an Islamic country, they are 100% moving in that direction. I want to ask you a question whether India should become Hindu Rashtra or not?”

The audience roared with a loud affirmative, to which Pawaskar replied, “India must become Hindu Rashtra. Hindu Rashtra was, is and will be. She will not kill like this. I think we should boycott them in future. What is Boycott, then deal only with the one whose forehead is black. Avoid dealing with a person who has no forehead. Every mother from Islampur will be sister.”

In the aftermath of this speech by Pawaskar at Islampur, numerous concerned citizens and civil society organisations, including Dhanaji Gurav, B. G. Patil, Digvijay Patil, Shakir Tamboli, Shahaji Patil, had come together demanding for urgent legal action and a thorough investigation into these incendiary remarks made by Vikram Pawaskar and the organisers of the event held by Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan in Islampur.

They argue that Vikram Pawaskar made inflammatory statements that had the potential to create and lead to social discord, fuel communal animosity, and further create religious divisions in society. Citizens have submitted a formal memorandum/petition to Police Inspector Shashikant Chavan and have further observed and highlighted the fact that despite the speech and programme being held in front of hundreds of citizens and law enforcement officers, no legal case has been filed against Vikram Pawaskar or the event’s organisers, even after a lapse of eight days.

The memorandum was filed on the basis of the fact that the Supreme Court has in an ongoing hate speech case, emphasised on existing statutory requirements, underlining that the police are required under law and guidelines, to keep a ‘close watch’ on any such instances of hate speech. In fact, and when, consequences to hate speech (read violence) do occur, then the SC had underlined that the police should take action against the perpetrators.

Quoting these SC directives, citizens have demanded that these should all be implemented in the case of Pawaskar or they would themselves take the case to the Supreme Court. The Shiv Pratisthan Hindustan is an organisation known for its hardline Hindutva orientation. It is an organisation that is also associated with Sambhaji (Manohar) Bhide. What gives even more cause for alarm is that a complaint was registered and sent to the Supreme Court highlighting Pawaskar’s hate speech and the inaction of the local police, lawyer Shakir Tamboli from Satara informed Sabrangindia. However, this complaint was returned back to the sender. 

August 2023

In August, 2023, Vikram Pawaskar made the following statement according to a local report in तरुण भारत, “Everyone should plant a Bhagwa flag.”

August-September, 2023

Pusesevali in Maharashtra’s Satara district became the scene of violence. The violence was triggered by “anti-Hindu (Shivaji Maharaj)” social media posts. The violence led to one dead and several injured.

Residents and leaders in the area have assert that Hindutva groups, allegedly with the backing of a BJP leader, intentionally targeted the predominantly Muslim locality. As for the contentious posts allegedly posted by Muslim youth which led to the violence, their veracity is questionable. In fact, an earlier post of August 2023, attributed to a young Muslim youth was later found by the Satara police itself to have been the handiwork of a third party who had hacked into the Instagram account of the young Muslim who was even wrongfully jailed for this! Sabrangindia had, on September 15, reported from a press conference held in Mumbai on the Satara violence. According to journalist Parth MN, Pawaskar was even present just a few days before the violence at the home of one of the people who are accused of having led the attack against Muslims in Satara.

This was told to police by one Muslim survivor who was heavily injured, according to Parth MN. He also stated that when the attack was going on, one of the accused was heard to have said, “No landya (abusive term for Muslims) should be left alive tonight. Vikram Pawaskar has our back. Don’t show mercy,”

Just a few days before the Hindutva mob attacked Muslims in Pusesavali, BJP leader Vikram Pawaskar had held a meeting at the residence of one of the accused, according to the statement.

— Parth MN (@parthpunter) September 20, 2023

A fact finding report by the Centre for the Study of Society and Secularism also found that attackers in the mob were shouting, “Vikram Pawaskar ne bola hai ki ek bhi landya ko zinda nahi rakhna” during the attack on the mosque which had about 14 Muslims present in the building when the attack took place.

However, following the violence, when Pawaskar’s name started circulating as the man responsible for the incitement against Muslims, Hindutva outfits in the region threatened that they would indulge in public demonstration if any action was to be taken against Pawaskar, according to The Wire. According to the report, Vinayak Pawaskar (Vikram’s father) even stated that, “If you try to malign our religion, we will retaliate,” Vinayak Pawaskar said at a press conference.”

Related:

File a criminal case against Vikram Pavaskar, Shiv Pratisthan Hindustan demand citizens and social organisations

Pay compensation to Nurul Hasan Shikalgar’s family, order independent judicial inquiry: Satara Citizens to Maharashtra Govt

Muslims, victims of targeted violence in Pusesavali, Satara: Fact-finding report

11 educational institutions target of organised Hindutva mobs in in Kolhapur: Fact-finding team

UP: Muslim man dies after he was beaten by a mob following a bike accident

The post Hate Offender: BJP state VP, Vikram Pawaskar uses abuse and intimidation against Satara’s Muslims, wants “Hindu Rashtra” appeared first on SabrangIndia.