A disturbing incident unfolded during the Hanuman Jayanti procession, with repercussions reverberating in the form of retaliatory violence. The Orissa High Court, in its order on May 5, refused to grant anticipatory bail to the accused individual. The court noted that the accused, along with others, was mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR) for leading a mob that targeted and attacked shops and residential houses belonging to the Muslim community.
The court acknowledged that the incident occurred as part of a retaliatory response, following an earlier episode just three days prior to Hanuman Jayanti on April 14, 2023. Describing the gravity of the situation, the court emphasized that anticipatory bail is an extraordinary discretionary power that cannot be granted as a routine measure.
Furthermore, the court rejected the petitioner’s claim of being unfairly targeted, stating that the FIR did not suggest the petitioner holding a prestigious position that would indicate a conspiracy against him to defame his reputation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the tensions often witnessed during religious processions and the subsequent legal scrutiny required to address such matters.
the Orissa High Court highlighted that the petitioner failed to establish a clean image or a distinguished reputation, thereby denying his plea for pre-arrest bail. The court emphasized that granting pre-arrest bail in light of the allegations made in the First Information Report (FIR) would have far-reaching consequences, particularly during a volatile situation. Consequently, the court deemed it inappropriate to grant pre-arrest bail to the petitioner before conducting a thorough investigation and interrogation.
The incident took place on April 14, 2023, during the commemoration of Hanuman Jayanti, when a procession was being conducted in Sambalpur Town. Unfortunately, miscreants took advantage of the situation and vandalized a shop called “New Alishan Shoe Centre,” causing significant damage by setting it on fire. The court’s decision reflects the necessity of addressing the situation responsibly, considering the circumstances and potential implications, while ensuring a fair investigation.
As the enquiry progressed, it came to light that approximately 50 individuals took advantage of the large gathering during the Hanuman Jayanti procession to launch an attack on a shop. Disturbingly, these individuals were also heard shouting abusive and provocative slogans against minority communities, deeply offending the religious sentiments of Muslims.
Advocate Manas Kumar Chand represented the petitioner in the case, presenting their arguments before the court. On the other hand, Advocate Debasish Biswal appeared on behalf of the State, presenting the state’s perspective and arguments.
The revelations from the ongoing inquiry shed light on the reprehensible acts committed during the procession, emphasizing the need for a fair and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Written by – Sohini Chakraborty intern under LegalVidhiya
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