SP leader Abu Azmi questions Aban Ahmed’s death in police custody, seeks impartial probe

Mumbai, Aug 9 (IANS) Samajwadi Party leader in Maharashtra and MLA Abu Azmi has raised serious questions over the death of Aban Ahmed, son of the late Atiq Ahmed, stating that the circumstances surrounding the incident do not inspire confidence that justice is being served.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Azmi, who is regarded as one of the wealthy MLAs of Maharashtra, pointed out that the shooting took place while Aban Ahmed was in police custody. He said such a development raises legitimate doubts about the official version of events and the fairness of the process so far.

Azmi asserted that the law must take its own course without any interference or selective application. He underlined that only an impartial and transparent investigation can establish the complete truth and restore public faith in the system. “The circumstances in which the incident occurred while the person was under police custody do not give a sense of confidence that justice is being delivered,” he remarked.

When asked whether the remaining members of the family also face any threat, the SP leader replied that he could not say for certain. Only time will tell if there is any threat to them, though there should be no threat. On being questioned about who could be behind the incident, he asked, “He was killed while in police custody; who could be behind it?”

Targeting the government, the Samajwadi Party leader alleged that the administration appears keen to send a strong message that it holds ultimate power and will not tolerate any form of high-handedness or intimidation from any quarter. He suggested that the incident, which has been described in some reports as a road accident, requires a thorough probe by a premier investigating agency so that all facts come out in the open.

Azmi further said that maintaining people’s trust in law and order is of paramount importance. An independent investigation by a credible central agency, he said, would help clear doubts, ensure accountability and uphold the principle that no one is above the law.

The SP leader reiterated that the truth could emerge only when the probe is free from any political or administrative influence.

–IANS

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