Muslim men flee homes in Akola fearing police excesses

Nagpur: Hundreds of Muslims men, most of them poor labourers, from six areas dominated by the minority community have reportedly fled homes fearing Akola police would falsely implicate them in the May 13 riot-related cases.
SP Sandeep Ghuge refused to comment on the allegations of false cases, exodus of minorities and prejudiced action against a specific community. He claimed that the lanes are looking deserted due to the curfew orders issued by the collector.

Collector Neema Arora stated that there has been no ill-intended action against any specific community. “We have no clue from where this rumor (about exodus) has originated but there could be mala fide intention.”
On the curfew, the collector stated there was no such order in force now except within the limits of the Old City police station where the Criminal Procedure Code Section 144 is in force between 8pm and 8am restricting assembly of four or more people.
Asif Ahmed Khan, a social worker from Akot File area, said that entire localities in the six areas have been looking like abandoned places since May 14 following the riots.
“Each locality has a population of at least 10,000. What we are seeing right now is just women and kids. Cops are picking up Muslim men in gross violation of rules and booking them under section 307 of IPC for attempt to murder,” alleged Khan adding such actions have shocked them.
Khan also said the the Old City area is still completely shut down from 8pm to 8am while Sec 144 is in force in other areas too. “Besides Old City and Akot File areas, Sontakke Plot, Hamza Plot, Gudwale Plot and Khiar Mohammad Plots are witnessing an unprecedented exodus,” he said.
Clashes had started in Akola on May 13 over an Instagram chat on a post regarding the movie ‘The Kerala Story’. Khan alleged that police were taking one-sided action while members from both communities took to violence. “It was pointed out before court too that only six people from another community are booked while over 100 Muslim men are facing criminal charges. How can only six men face a huge mob?” he said.