Kin of Saharanpur violence-accused say boy a minor, wasn’t part of mob

MEERUT: Mohd Gulbahar, brother of one among the 85 accused who were arrested by Saharanpur police in connection with violence that broke in the city after Friday prayers on June 10 following remarks against Prophet Muhammad by two (now-suspended) BJP spokespersons, alleged that the boy is a minor and being kept in police custody along with adults in contravention of rules, reports Ishita Mishra.

The family also claimed that their son wasn’t among the protesters that day and was picked by the police from home.

“No one in the police is willing to listen to us. We have proof that the boy’s age is 17 years and 10 months as per his Aadhaar card, and not 19 years as is being claimed by police,” said Gulbahar. He added: “Why will my brother go to that mosque where the violence took place, when none of my family members ever visit that area? We offer namaz in our own locality.”

Meanwhile, Saharanpur SSP Akash Tomar, when queried, said that the boy himself told police that he is above 18 years of age. “Their lawyer can submit his age proof in court and demand he be sent to a juvenile home,” he added. Action by bulldozer was the matter of district administration and he has no say in the matter, the SSP further said.