Judge Tabassum Khan Faces Communal Threats Post Verdict
In a significant legal development, Additional District and Sessions Judge Tabassum Khan of Narmadapuram district, Madhya Pradesh, has been subjected to a wave of communal abuse and threats. This backlash follows her June 12 decision to convict and sentence seven individuals to life imprisonment for the 2022 lynching of a truck driver under allegations of cattle smuggling.
Case Background and Verdict
The incident, which occurred on the night of August 2 and 3, 2022, involved truck driver Nazir Ahmed and two others who were transporting cattle from Nandarwada to Amravati in Maharashtra. The vehicle was intercepted near Barakhad village in Seoni Malwa by a mob reportedly armed with sticks and wooden rods. Ahmed was later pronounced dead due to injuries sustained during the attack, while the other two occupants survived.
Despite the two surviving eyewitnesses turning hostile during the trial, Judge Khan relied on substantial medical and forensic evidence, alongside the recovery of blood-stained weapons and clothing, to deliver a verdict that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, the court convicted seven individuals and sentenced them to rigorous life imprisonment for murder and related charges.
Public and Online Reactions
The verdict sparked immediate protests from the relatives and supporters of the convicted men. Demonstrations took place outside the Narmadapuram court complex, with attempts to block police vehicles transporting the convicts. The protests quickly transitioned to social media, where Judge Khan’s religious identity became the focal point of a concerted campaign against her.
False claims circulated online, alleging that 14 “gau rakshaks” had been sentenced to life imprisonment, whereas the court records confirmed the conviction of seven individuals. Suresh Chavhanke, editor of Sudarshan News, amplified these claims, framing the narrative as a “Nyay Sangram” (fight for justice) and involving political leaders in the discourse.
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Escalation to Direct Threats
The online narrative soon escalated to direct threats. A widely circulated video featured Vishal Singh from Gujarat issuing communal slurs and a death threat against Judge Khan, demanding the release of the convicts within ten days or facing a “bloodbath.” Another video from Punjab’s Mohali showcased a group burning an effigy of Judge Khan while chanting for the convicts’ release.
Further, a procession of self-proclaimed cow vigilantes was shared online, accompanied by posts accusing Judge Khan of bias due to her religion. Social media accounts such as @TheBahubali_IND alleged that Judge Khan prioritized her faith over the Constitution, calling for her expulsion from the country.
Legal and Political Reactions
The legal community and political figures have expressed concern over these developments, emphasizing the need for protecting the independence and safety of judges handling sensitive cases. Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha member Vivek Tankha criticized the lack of response from higher judiciary and government authorities, urging for institutional support for judges.
Congress leader Pawan Khera also condemned the campaign, clarifying that the convicts were judged for their criminal actions, not their religious identity. He criticized the selective outrage aimed at Judge Khan’s religious background.
Ongoing Investigations
The Madhya Pradesh Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified individuals under Sections 196 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation will focus on the threatening videos, communal remarks, and social media posts targeting Judge Khan post-verdict.
