Anti-CAA stir: 22 died in UP, government tells Allahabad HC
What's the story
The agitation against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) took lives of as many as 22 people, the state government run by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath informed Allahabad High Court on Monday. 83 people were injured too on December 20 and 21, the court's bench, headed by Chief Justice Govind Mathur and including Justice Siddhartha Varma was told. 45 cops and government officials suffered injuries.
Context
CAA sparked protests across India; were most violent in UP
CAA, that was passed in the Parliament in December, sparked protests across the nation since it makes religion a criterion for granting citizenship to non-Indians. The protests were the most violent in UP, where police resorted to lathi-charge, and even firing to contain the protests. UP also became the first state where rioters were asked to pay up for losses caused to public property.
Case
Last month, HC sought answers on police excesses
As police excesses in the most-populated state were condemned by rights activists and opposition, HC on January 29 asked the government to file an affidavit and tell it about the atrocities. The state was represented by Manish Goel, who apprised that all injured were given proper medical aid. "Of those arrested, 561 are now out on bail and 322 are still in jail," he added.
Details
10 complaints were filed against cops: Goel
Of those who are still languishing in jails, Goel said 111 people have filed for bail, and their applications are pending in various courts. In the previous hearing, HC asked the government to tell whether it verified media reports regarding police excesses or not. Goel also said that 10 complaints were filed against cops and they were being examined.
Allegations
Petitioners said injured weren't given medical treatment, government junked allegations
Those who approached HC against police said that the use of force violated fundamental rights. Further, they claimed medical aid wasn't provided to the injured and that families of the deceased weren't handed over post-mortem reports. Defending the grave charges, the state government maintained excessive force wasn't used on rioters and claimed there was no laxity in giving them medical treatment.
Looking back
UP Police didn't handle anti-CAA protests well
After hearing the petitions, HC set March 18 as the next day for the hearing. It's important to note that cops were berated by a court in Bijnor as well. Granting bail to 48 people, accused of rioting, the court said cops couldn't support their serious claims that protesters took to firing. In Bijnor, two people died in police firing, said reports.
Quote
Police couldn't show mob fired first: Judge
"The police FIR says mob fired at the cops, but no evidence has been presented in court to show any recovery of weapons. The government lawyers have failed to produce any evidence in court that shows that anyone fired at the police," judge had said.