Muslim men, victims of Kheda flogging, reject Gujarat police’s settlement deal
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Ahmedabad: The attempt at settlement, with the aim of seeking redemption from punishment by the Gujarat policemen involved in the public flogging of the Muslim men in Kheda, has failed after the victims vehemently denied any settlement deal with the accused policemen.
The four officers had recently petitioned the Gujarat High Court to recommend compensation instead of punishment, citing potential career repercussions.
Senior advocate Prakash Jani, representing the accused, revealed that although initial discussions were positive, the victims ultimately decided against resolving the matter. Senior advocate I H Syed, representing the victims, also confirmed that they chose to back out from their initial stand
Advocate Syed further claimed that the decision to deny a settlement deal was made after consultation by the victims, including Jahirmiya Malek, 62, Maksudabanu Malek, 45, Sahadmiya Malek, 23, Sakilmiya Malek, 24, and Shahidraja Malek, 25, with relatives and community members.
The Gujarat High Court recorded that the parties failed to reach a settlement, and the complainants were not inclined towards compromise. A division bench of Justices A S Supehia and Gita Gopi has scheduled the verdict dictation for October 19.
The victims initially approached the high court seeking punishment for 13 police officers for contempt and non-compliance with Supreme Court guidelines related to arrests and detention. Following a Nadiad magistrate's inquiry, four officers—A V Parmar, D B Kumavat, Laxmansinh Kanaksinh Dabhi, and Rajubhai Dabhi—were identified and charged under the Contempt of Courts Act.
Last week, the accused officers argued that the flogging did not constitute custodial torture and expressed a preference for a settlement over facing punishment under the Contempt of Court Act, citing potential career implications.
The victims, however, stood firm in their pursuit of justice, leaving the matter in the hands of the High Court, which is now set to deliver its verdict on October 19.