In a significant development, Congress MLA Mamman Khan has been apprehended in connection with the Nuh violence case that unfolded on July 31st. The arrest, carried out by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Haryana police, transpired late last night. Khan, who represents Ferozepur Jhirka constituency, Khan has been placed in two-day police custody and appeared before the District Court.
Investigations conducted thus far suggest his complicity in the incident, with evidence indicating his presence at the site shortly before the outbreak of violence. SP Nuh provides insight into the arrest and the ongoing case.
Security measures were reinforced in the vicinity of the Nuh court complex in anticipation of the police bringing Khan for his scheduled appearance today, according to reports.
The Haryana government has suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Nuh district for a period of two days, citing the reason as 'to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order,' according to an official order.
Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in Nuh, and the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Nuh has requested residents to conduct their Friday prayers within the confines of their homes.
This arrest follows Khan's implication as an accused in an FIR stemming from the communal clashes in Nuh. The Haryana government, in an update to the High Court, asserted that substantial evidence, including phone call records and other corroborating materials, substantiates the charges against him, PTI reported.
Haryana's Additional Advocate General, Deepak Sabharwal, revealed that Khan's inclusion as an accused took place on September 4th after a thorough assessment of the evidence. Sabharwal further emphasized the presence of "ample evidence" supporting the allegations against Khan.
In a press conference held in Chandigarh on Wednesday, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar addressed the Mamman Khan case with firm resolve. He declared, "Should investigations reveal his involvement, there will be no leniency."
The case revolves around FIR No.149, dated August 1, 2023, registered at Police Station Nagina, District Nuh, Haryana. Out of the 52 accused individuals in this case, 42 have already been apprehended. Notably, Taufiq, another accused, identified Mamman Khan's involvement in the incident. Investigations into mobile phone call records and tower locations revealed that calls were exchanged between Taufiq and Khan on July 29th and 30th, just a day before the Nuh violence erupted. Tower data placed Khan within a 1.5 km radius of the incident location on those critical dates, countering claims to the contrary, according to media reports.
Statements from security officers Constable Jai Prakash and Constable Pradeep corroborated Khan's presence within the vicinity during the same period. Additionally, Khan's social media activity, with posts on WhatsApp and Facebook on July 30th, hinted at his involvement and resolve in the matter.
Despite being issued a notice for questioning on August 25th and requesting a 10-day extension due to health reasons, Khan failed to cooperate with the investigation. Consequently, the head of the Special Investigation Team formally included him as an accused on September 4th.
The investigation has been meticulously conducted by the SIT, under the direct supervision of the Superintendent of Police, Nuh, with oversight from the Inspector General of Police, South Range, Rewari. It is emphasized that the investigation has been conducted diligently and efficiently, ultimately contributing to restored peace in the district of Nuh.
In his formal petition, Khan asserted that he remained within the confines of his Gurugram residence from July 26 to August 1, emphatically declaring that he did not venture to the locations marred by violence during that period. However, the government's legal representative countered this stance, asserting that the available evidence contradicted Khan's assertion.
The Nuh violence case initially emerged from an attack on a Vishva Hindu Parishad-led procession on July 31st, resulting in six casualties. Tragically, most of the fatalities occurred during the attack, with an additional incident claiming the life of a cleric at a mosque in neighboring Gurugram.
