India’s Growing Impunity: UP Police Shoot Muslim Youth a Day After He Pleads for Safety in Court

India’s law enforcement agencies continue to operate with unprecedented impunity, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. A recent incident in Muzaffarnagar has once again raised serious concerns about the systematic abuse of power by Indian police, particularly in relation to the Muslim community. The shooting of Chand Mohammad, a Muslim youth, by Uttar Pradesh Police just one day after he pleaded for safety in a court video, is a stark reminder of the state’s unchecked violence and the persecution faced by Muslims under Modi’s government. This incident highlights the deep-rooted bias in Indian law enforcement, further fueling fears of arbitrary violence under the pretext of improving law and order.

♦ Police Brutality Under Operation Langda
The shooting of Chand Mohammad occurred after he posted a video in which he pleaded for protection from police torture, stating that officers intended to kill him. Despite his plea and legal request to surrender safely, he was shot in a staged encounter the following day.

♦ Manipulation of Legal Process
Chand Mohammad had attempted to surrender voluntarily, but the police delayed his surrender, citing the ongoing investigation. This manipulation of the legal process has raised questions about the authenticity of the charges against him.

♦ Increased Fear and Persecution of Muslims
Human rights groups have pointed to this incident as another example of Operation Langda, a controversial initiative under which Muslim youth are being targeted. This operation, rather than ensuring law and order, has instilled fear and insecurity among the Muslim community.

The Role of Uttar Pradesh Police in Targeting Muslims

Under Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, the Uttar Pradesh Police have gained notoriety for their aggressive approach towards the Muslim community, often using violence as a tool to silence opposition and instill fear. The recent events involving Chand Mohammad expose the dangerous trend of police violence, where Muslim individuals are routinely subjected to torture, wrongful arrest, and extrajudicial killings. The Modi government’s support for such actions has emboldened the police, giving them the green light to commit human rights violations with minimal oversight.

♦ Police Use of Force Against Muslims
The shooting of Chand Mohammad is not an isolated incident. Numerous reports have emerged of Muslim youth being targeted under the guise of law enforcement operations like Operation Langda.

♦ Lack of Accountability and Transparency
The police’s version of the events surrounding Chand Mohammad’s arrest, which claims he fired at officers, is highly suspicious. The fact that the youth had already expressed his fear of being shot raises significant doubts about the police narrative.

Modi Government’s Role in Fomenting Fear

The Modi government has played a pivotal role in fostering an environment where Muslims in India are treated as second-class citizens. Through a combination of policies, rhetoric, and the use of law enforcement as a weapon, the government has created a culture of fear among the Muslim population. The actions of Yogi Adityanath, often seen as the enforcer of Modi’s divisive policies, further exemplify this growing persecution.

♦ Modi’s Polarizing Rhetoric
Modi’s speeches and actions have consistently fueled anti-Muslim sentiment, which has permeated all levels of Indian society. His government’s refusal to act against hate crimes, coupled with its encouragement of religious intolerance, has led to increased violence against Muslims.

♦ Support for Draconian Laws
The government’s support for the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) has further marginalized Muslims, making them vulnerable to displacement and denial of citizenship.

Human Rights Violations and International Criticism

India’s actions in Uttar Pradesh have drawn condemnation from human rights organizations and international bodies. The United Nations and various NGOs have repeatedly criticized India for its human rights violations, particularly against Muslims. Despite these warnings, India continues to shield its actions from international scrutiny, with little to no consequences for its police forces and their continued abuse of power.

♦ International Human Rights Organizations Condemn India
The United Nations and numerous NGOs have expressed concern over India’s treatment of its Muslim citizens, urging the Indian government to uphold international human rights standards.

♦ Ongoing Abuse of Power
Despite international condemnation, India has failed to hold its police and security forces accountable for their actions. The shooting of Chand Mohammad is yet another example of this lack of accountability.

The Fear and Insecurity Among Muslims

The Muslim community in India continues to live under constant fear of state-sponsored violence, with many individuals being subjected to arbitrary arrests, targeted killings, and discriminatory treatment. Chand Mohammad’s case reflects the wider atmosphere of fear that Muslims face in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where law enforcement has been given unchecked power under the Modi administration. The chilling reality is that Muslims are being criminalized for their identity, and the state’s actions have turned them into targets of routine violence.

♦ Criminalization of Muslim Identity
The Indian police and government policies have criminalized the very identity of Muslims, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where they are routinely targeted for their faith.

♦ No Safe Spaces for Muslims
Despite their best efforts to seek legal protection, like Chand Mohammad, Muslims are often left with no recourse to justice or safety, as seen in the police’s treatment of him.

The Political Agenda Behind Police Brutality

The incidents involving the Uttar Pradesh Police, particularly under Yogi Adityanath, are deeply intertwined with India’s political agenda to consolidate power by discriminating against Muslims. The ruling BJP party, under Modi, has made significant strides in implementing policies that specifically target Muslims, and the actions of the Uttar Pradesh Police reflect this wider political strategy. The use of police brutality to suppress dissent and create fear is part of the BJP’s broader plan to maintain control through division and violence.

♦ Modi’s Political Use of State Violence
Under Modi’s leadership, the police have been weaponized to target minorities, especially Muslims, and suppress any opposition to the government’s Hindu nationalist agenda.

♦ Yogi Adityanath’s Role
As Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath has been a staunch advocate of anti-Muslim policies, and his direct control over police operations in the state has only served to exacerbate the violence against Muslims.

 A Call for Justice and Change

The brutal actions of the Indian police and the growing persecution of Muslims under the Modi government represent a dark chapter in India’s history. The international community must act now to end the violence and discrimination faced by Muslims in India. Only through international pressure and accountability can India be forced to change its policies and ensure justice for its Muslim citizens. The situation in Uttar Pradesh is a glaring example of what is happening across the country, and it is time for the world to take a stand for human rights.