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Azad Maidan Riots: 13 years passed, Still No Recovery or Action !
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Halting Compensation Proceedings is Shocking; File Civil Cases Against Accused and Recover Damages from Raza Academy ! – Demands Hindu Janajagruti Samiti
Mumbai – The riot that occurred at Azad Maidan on 11th August 2012 remains a dark chapter in Maharashtra’s history. The desecration of the ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’, arson of police and media vehicles, destruction of public property, and assaults on women police personnel and journalists are some of the serious crimes committed. Despite damages running into crores, the administration shockingly limited the official estimate to just ₹36.44 lakh. More alarming is the fact that compensation recovery has been halted on the grounds that the accused possess no property.
Even after 13 years, no concrete action has been taken. If the accused lack assets, strict legal measures and civil imprisonment should be enforced. Additionally, full compensation must be recovered from Raza Academy, the main organiser and participant in the rally-turned-riot. This strong demand was submitted by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti to the Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Mr. Satyanarayan Chaudhary.
After permission was denied for a protest planned in Dadar, Mumbai, representatives including Mr. Satish Sonar of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Mr. Subhash Ahir of Bhumiputra Samajik Sanstha, Advocate Prasad Sankpal of the Bombay High Court, Mr. Vilas Nikam of Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh, and Mrs. Dhanashree Kelshikar of Sanatan Sanstha submitted the memorandum with supporting evidence. The same has also been sent to the Union Home Minister, Chief Minister and Home Minister of Maharashtra, and the Director General of Police.
The riot was triggered in response to an incident in Myanmar in 2012. Police Constable Santosh Hande from Azad Maidan police station, who was seriously injured in the riots, passed away the following year. Those responsible, including Raza Academy and its affiliated organisations, should have been booked under IPC Section 302 for culpable homicide.
According to information, 60 accused from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane were named, but many are currently untraceable or have transferred properties to others to evade seizure – a matter of grave concern. Immediate and strict punishment must be pursued for the assault cases on women police officers as well.
It is shocking that even after 13 years, no decisive action has been taken. At that time, the then Congress-led government avoided arrests due to vote-bank politics, citing the observance of Ramzan Eid. Now, it is imperative that the current administration rises above political calculations and takes decisive steps to uphold justice and restore police morale.
