Allegations of Anti-India Slogans During Cricket Match Prompt…

A 15-year-old boy and his family face allegations of shouting anti-India slogans during a cricket match. The family claims he doesn’t watch cricket and that he was set up. Following the incident, their properties were demolished, and local authorities imposed restrictions on outsiders. The police investigation continues without solid evidence.

Weeks after a 15-year-old boy and his family were accused of shouting anti-India slogans during a cricket match, various claims have emerged. The family asserts that the teenager, who attends a madrasa, has no interest in cricket. The incident took place on February 23 in Sindhudurg district, sparked by complaints during an India-Pakistan match leading to the arrests of both parents and the boy being presented to a juvenile board.

Following the allegations, the authorities demolished the family’s house and shop on claims that they were unauthorized structures. Furthermore, the godown belonging to the boy’s uncle was also destroyed due to local complaints. The family, originally from Uttar Pradesh, believes their son was set up by individuals who engaged him in a misleading conversation.

A senior police official confirmed an investigation is ongoing, although they currently lack evidence such as audio or video of the alleged slogans. Investigators noted that the accused family members are on bail and a chargesheet will be filed soon. The boy described returning home post-prayers when he was confronted by a stranger who questioned his interest in cricket.

Initially dodging the query, the boy ultimately stated he would support India in a match. He recounts that the situation escalated when the man accused him of making anti-India remarks, which was subsequently supported by another individual, leading to physical confrontations and aggressive behavior from nearby onlookers.

The boy’s father defended his son’s innocence, criticizing the alleged orchestrated nature of the events and asserting that they have no involvement in controversies. He emphasized his family’s long-standing presence in Malvan, focused on their business and community without inciting issues.

Their family’s legal struggles worsened as they suffered property demolitions following the uproar. In a related decision, local gram panchayats have enacted restrictions preventing outsiders from engaging in business without permits, accompanied by warnings against such activities in public areas. The repercussions of the incident continue to ripple through the community, impacting the business operations of individuals from other states.

This case highlights the challenges faced by the family amid community tensions and allegations. Despite their claims of innocence, the consequences have been severe, leading to the demolition of their property and attempts to limit outsider business operations in Malvan. The police investigation is ongoing, yet it raises questions about due process and the impact of community dynamics on individuals,” said the analysis.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com