Gujarat Police Register FIR Against Five Forest Employees Over Alleged Assault on Muslim Youth
Bhuj: Gujarat Police in Kutch district have registered an FIR against five Forest Department employees accused of allegedly assaulting Muslim youth Farid Haji Mer , following three days of sustained.The alleged incident reportedly took place near Loria village, close to Bhuj , after Forest Department employees stopped Mer and asked him to identify himself.
According to APCR, the situation allegedly escalated after the employees learned that Mer was Muslim. The organisation has alleged that the Forest Department personnel subsequently assaulted him, causing serious injuries.
APCR said it had been approaching authorities since the day of the alleged incident on Friday, August 28 , seeking registration of a First Information Report and a proper investigation.
The civil rights organisation claimed that police did not immediately act on the complaint despite the seriousness of the allegations. APCR said it continued submitting representations and pressing authorities for action until the FIR was eventually registered.
APCR questioned why a person alleging serious physical assault should have to repeatedly approach authorities before a criminal case is registered, particularly when the accused are government employees.
Alleged Assault and Injuries
According to APCR, Forest Department employees stopped Farid Haji Mer and asked him for his name before the alleged assault occurred.
The organisation alleged that the employees assaulted Mer after discovering his Muslim identity. These claims have not yet been established by an investigation, and the accused employees will have an opportunity to respond through the legal process.
Mer reportedly suffered serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at GK General Hospital in Bhuj .
He has reportedly undergone a surgical procedure following the alleged assault, highlighting the severity of the injuries described by the organisation.
The incident has raised questions about the conduct of government employees and whether religious identity played any role in the alleged assault.
APCR has called on authorities to conduct a fair, impartial and thorough investigation into the allegations.
APCR Seeks Detailed Probe
APCR said the registration of the FIR is an important step because the allegations involve employees of a government department.
The organisation said government officials are expected to exercise their authority lawfully while protecting the rights and dignity of citizens.
APCR has urged investigators to establish exactly what happened and determine individual responsibility based on available evidence.
The organisation wants investigators to record statements from all relevant witnesses and carefully examine medical evidence , especially because Mer required hospitalisation and reportedly underwent surgery.
APCR has also called for an inquiry into whether religious discrimination played a role in the alleged incident.
The organisation said any person found responsible for assaulting a citizen or misusing official authority should face appropriate legal or disciplinary action.
APCR has offered legal assistance to Mer’s family and said it will continue supporting them during the legal proceedings.
The civil rights body also plans to monitor the investigation and press for accountability if evidence establishes wrongdoing.
Investigation Now Underway
With the FIR now registered, the case has entered the investigation stage. Police will be expected to examine witness statements, medical records and other available evidence.
Investigators will need to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged confrontation, identify the role of each accused employee and determine whether the allegations are supported by evidence.
The investigation will also determine whether the alleged assault involved any form of religious discrimination or whether other circumstances contributed to the incident.
The accused Forest Department employees remain entitled to due process, and the allegations against them have yet to be proven in court.
For Mer and his family, the immediate concern remains his recovery following the alleged assault and surgical treatment.
The case has drawn attention to questions surrounding accountability, official conduct and citizens’ rights , particularly when allegations involve government personnel.
APCR has said it will continue pursuing the matter and assisting Mer’s family while authorities conduct the investigation.
The outcome of the police inquiry and the evidence collected will ultimately determine responsibility and whether further legal or disciplinary action is warranted.