‘What Evidence Do the Police Have?’: Wife of Accused in Kanpur ‘Bandh’ Violence

Hashmi's wife, Uzma said that he had withdrawn his call for a 'bandh' after being denied police permission.

In the aftermath of the violence that unfolded in Kanpur on 3 June, during a bandh called over suspended BJP Spokesperson Nupur Sharma's remarks against Prophet Muhammad, Hayat Zafar Hashmi has been named the prime accused and has been portrayed as the mastermind behind the violence.

However, Hashmi's wife, Uzma said that although he had called for a bandh, he had withdrawn it after permission for the same was denied by the police and the administration.

She said:

“The police want to put the blame for the violence on Hayat, even though he was not a part of it. But because the police are not able to reach the real accused, Hayat has been accused. What evidence does the police have, on the basis of which Hayat Zafar is being accused? He has full faith in the court. Justice shall certainly be delivered.”

50 People Arrested, Threat of NSA & Gangster Act Issued

Meanwhile, at least 50 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence.

Like before, the police have also placed hoardings of people allegedly involved in the violence throughout the city.

Earlier, the police had said that actions under the Gangster Act and NSA will be taken against all those who have been arrested and their property will be seized.

Meanwhile, several reports suggested that bulldozer action may also be taken against "illegal" buildings that were used for stone pelting.

'He Had Withdrawn The Bandh': Hashmi's Wife Uzma

Hashmi – and some of his associates had gone beforehand to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Akmal Khan, Anwarganj, Kanpur, and said:

“There was a programme of closure of shops on 3 June. But since the Prime Minister and the President are coming to Kanpur, since the governor is coming, it has been requested that the programme be postponed. We will fully cooperate with your call on 5 June…We declare that we will be a part of Jail Bharo Andolan on 5 June at 11.30 am.”

Hayat Zafar Hashmi, prime accused in Kanpur violence

ACP Akmal Khan said, “When I got to know that these people have organised a bandh, I called them to our office and advised them against the shutdown. I told them they had to first get the administration’s permission.”

However, Hashmi's wife, Uzma said:

"He had announced on WhatsApp and Facebook about the bandh. But before the programme itself, he got a call from the Police Commissioner telling him that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are coming, the program should be postponed. He gave a written statement to the police that he will not do this event."

Uzma added, "After this, he told the media as well and updated the same on WhatsApp and Facebook too. He added that if you do close your shops, then stay at home and do it peacefully. The program was running peacefully, but suddenly stone-pelting and violence erupted."

Hashmi and four of his associates were arrested by the police from Lucknow. He was apparently absconding after the incident. Later, the crime branch team of Kanpur Commissionerate arrested him.

Hashmi was produced before the special remand magistrate court on Monday, 6 June, which sent him and other accused to judicial custody for 14 days.

Meanwhile, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Chairman Priyank Kanoongo said on Wednesday, "We were informed that minors were used in the Kanpur violence which is a serious issue and an offense. We have written to the Kanpur Police authorities to file a complaint against the accused under section 83 of the Juvenile Justice Act."

Kanpur ACP and a member of the SIT, Tripurari Pandey has informed that sanitation workers are also being spoken to as part of the investigation.