An Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate and her toddler daughter narrowly escaped from harm by rioters in the communal violence that happened earlier this week in Nuh, Haryana.

According to the FIR registered on August 1, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Anjali Jain and her daughter were on their way back from SHKM Medical College in Nalhar after purchasing medicines, in a Volkswagen Polo car when they encountered a mob of 100-150 people near Bandhan Bank, close to the old Bus Stand on Delhi-Alwar Road. The mob started pelting stones, committing arson, and even resorted to firing, as per the FIR. The duo were accompanied by a gunman and an officer of the Court while the incident happened.

In a desperate attempt to save their lives, they sought refuge in a workshop at the old Bus Stand until they were rescued by some Lawyers. The next day, upon revisiting the spot, they found that the car was completely burnt.

A complaint was lodged by Tekchand, the process server at the Nuh District Court who was accompanying the Judge while the incident happened, detailing the distressing incident. The FIR has been registered under Sections 148, 149, 435 and 307 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act.

At least five persons have lost their lives in the communal violence that happened in Nuh on July 31. Prohibitory orders were passed under Section 144 CrPC and internet was shut down to curb the spread of violence. The police have registered 83 FIRs and 159 people have been arrested.

The Supreme Court, yesterday, refused to stop rallies by the VHP in Dehi, in protest against the violence in Nuh. An application was filed by some members of the Muslim community in a pending Hate Speech related matter, seeking to prevent the VHP from holding the rallies. The Court directed that the authorities must ensure that there are no hate speeches against any community or violence during the rallies.

Section 154 IPCCommunal Violence

Suchita Shukla