A civil rights organization based in New Delhi has raised serious concerns over alleged discriminatory police actions in Andhra Pradesh following recent communal unrest in Kadapa. According to Beyond Time News, the group claims that Muslims were disproportionately targeted through detentions, custodial violence, and selective legal action after the incident earlier this month.
Rights Report Highlights Allegations
The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) released a fact-finding report titled “Selective Justice: Detention, Torture, and Religious Targeting.”
The report is based on:
- Field visits
- Witness statements
- Interviews with affected families
- Review of police complaints and remand documents
Furthermore, the organization claims its findings point toward patterns of unequal treatment during and after the unrest.
What Triggered the Unrest in Kadapa
The tensions reportedly began in Kadapa city’s Almaspet Circle on May 9 over competing demands to rename a traffic intersection.
Two proposed names emerged:
- Tipu Sultan Circle (linked to the 18th-century ruler)
- Hanuman Circle (promoted by Hindu groups)
According to Beyond Time News, the situation escalated after banners promoting “Hanuman Circle” were installed despite earlier municipal discussions supporting a different proposal.
Allegations of Targeted Police Action
The APCR report alleges that police response following the unrest disproportionately affected Muslim residents.
Key claims include:
Detentions and Custodial Allegations
- At least 25 Muslim minors were allegedly detained
- Several were reportedly beaten without juvenile safeguards
- Around 22 Muslim men were allegedly held without warrants for days
- Custodial violence and intimidation were also reported
Furthermore, witnesses claimed that legal protections were not properly followed during detention procedures.
Claims of Unequal Legal Treatment
The report also alleges inconsistencies in the way cases were registered.
According to APCR:
- Muslim suspects were booked under more serious, non-bailable charges
- Other individuals allegedly involved were charged under comparatively lighter sections
In addition, the organization said that police conducted baton charges in Muslim-majority areas even after crowds had dispersed.
Concerns Over Policing Approach
The rights group criticized what it described as a pattern of “religious profiling” and collective punishment.
Furthermore, it alleged that:
- Provocative mobilization by certain groups was not addressed promptly
- Enforcement actions appeared one-sided
- Trust between communities and authorities has been affected
According to Beyond Time News, these allegations have added to ongoing debates about policing standards during communal tensions.
Calls for Independent Inquiry
The APCR has urged authorities to take immediate corrective action, including:
- An independent judicial or magisterial inquiry
- Review of all cases involving minors
- Examination of CCTV footage and official records
- Action against officials accused of misconduct
Moreover, the organization warned that continued inaction could deepen communal divisions and weaken public trust in law enforcement institutions.
Read more:Kashmir: 1990 Mubina Ganaie Case Revisited Amid Reports of Violence and Rights Violations
Official Response Pending
As of now, there has been no detailed public response from Andhra Pradesh police addressing the specific allegations outlined in the report.
However, authorities in similar past cases have often maintained that police action is based on maintaining law and order during communal unrest.
Conclusion
The APCR report has brought renewed attention to the handling of communal tensions in Kadapa, raising questions about policing practices, legal fairness, and accountability. According to Beyond Time News, the findings are likely to fuel further debate over civil rights protections and law enforcement conduct in sensitive situations.
FAQs
1. What does the APCR report allege?
It alleges discriminatory police action, including detentions and custodial violence against Muslims.
2. What triggered the Kadapa unrest?
A dispute over renaming a traffic circle led to tensions between groups.
3. How many people were reportedly detained?
The report claims around 25 Muslim minors and 22 men were detained.
4. What legal concerns were raised?
Allegations include custodial violence, unlawful detention, and unequal charges.
5. What has the organization demanded?
An independent inquiry and review of all related cases.
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