An FIR has been registered against five Forest Department employees in Gujarat’s Kutch district for allegedly assaulting a Muslim youth from Loria village in Bhuj, the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) said.
The victim, identified as Farid Haji Mer, was allegedly stopped by the forest employees and asked to disclose his identity. According to APCR, the situation escalated after the employees learned that Mer was Muslim, following which he was allegedly assaulted.
Mer suffered serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at G K General Hospital in Bhuj. APCR said he has also undergone surgery.
FIR Registered After APCR Intervention
According to APCR, the FIR was registered after the organisation approached the authorities and sought criminal action and a detailed investigation into the incident.
The rights group said it pursued the matter for three consecutive days before a case was registered against all five employees.
APCR expressed concern over the delay, saying the FIR should have been registered promptly given the seriousness of the allegations and the injuries suffered by Mer.
The organisation said the status of the accused as government employees should not affect the investigation and called for the allegations to be examined independently.
APCR Seeks Probe Into Alleged Religious Discrimination
APCR has also urged authorities to specifically investigate the allegation that Mer was targeted after the employees learned that he was Muslim.
The organisation called for the statements of Mer and other witnesses to be recorded and for his medical records and other available evidence to be examined.
APCR said the involvement of Forest Department employees makes the case particularly serious as government officials exercising public authority are expected to act within the law.
The organisation has alleged that any misuse of official position or assault on a citizen should be investigated fairly and independently.
Victim Undergoing Treatment
Mer remains under medical care at G K General Hospital, while his family has expressed concern over his condition.
APCR said it is providing legal guidance to Mer’s family and will continue to monitor the case.
The registration of the FIR marks the beginning of a formal investigation. The allegations against the five Forest Department employees have not yet been established, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault will be determined through the investigation and available evidence.
APCR has called on authorities to ensure a fair and impartial investigation and take appropriate action if the accused are found responsible.
