People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Rajasthan has strongly condemned the demolition of the rented house by the Udaipur Municipal Corporation, of the student accused in the stabbing incident that took place on 16 August in Udaipur. A statement from the PUCL says that this is the advent of Bulldozer Raj in Rajasthan that is contrary to the Indian Constitution and the Indian Judicial system, which is a very dangerous sign for the future.

PUCL has written a letter to the Chief Justice of Rajasthan, urging him to take cognizance of the incident and said that due to the demolition of the rented house, the victim's family has become homeless and in the present environment no one is ready to give them shelter. The Forest Department that issued the notice on 16 August, after the stabbing incident, had given the family time till 20 August to respond or comply. However, without giving the respondents a chance to respond or take action within the given timeline, the Udaipur Municipal Corporation demolished the house on 17 August, within 24 hours of the notice being served.

In the letter shared with UdaipurTimes, PUCL expressed alarm that the rented house of the accused student was located in an area that is a colony of about 200 houses. But this person's house was chosen for demolition. It is also worth noting that the family of the accused student lived as tenants in that house.

Read the Full Letter below:

Despite knowing that the incident happened between two students, the police arrested the father of the accused student and kept him in the police station even though the father has no connection with the incident, says PUCL.

PUCL expressed that with this action by the State, not only a house but the strong foundation of justice and law and order has been demolished in Udaipur. If the student accused of the incident of 16 August has committed a crime, then there is a procedure of justice and we should trust our judicial system that it will punish the guilty. The police and administration do not have the right to harass the accused in any case. This act is like turning the rule of law into jungle raj, added the statement from PUCL.

PUCL condemns the stabbing incident in Udaipur on 16 August

"The incident that happened between two children is sad but it is the responsibility of the elders to act with restraint. Communal division on the basis of the above incident is very dangerous. Representatives of all religions, leaders and media should try to douse down the fire of communalism that has been sparked by miscreants. It is unfortunate that some organizations and people are adding fuel to the fire in this environment and the police and administration are working at their behest", alleged PUCL. "It is a matter of shame for the Bhajan Lal government of the state that no action is being taken against those who openly disturb the law and order", says PUCL in its statement to media.

PUCL has demanded from the Chief Justice of Rajasthan that strict action should be taken against the officials who illegally ran the bulldozer, and compensation should be given for the demolition of the house. PUCL has also requested the Chief Justice to order an investigation at his own level, considering the suspicious role of Udaipur Police and District Administration in this incident.

This post is an English translation of the Press Note issued by PUCL, Rajasthan. The signatories to this Press Note include office bearers of PUCl Rajasthan, viz. Bhanwar Meghwanshi (State President); Anant Bhatnagar (State General Secy); Arun Vyas (President, Udaipur Unit) and Mohammad Yakub (General Secy, Udaipur Unit).