Has the Police Been Given a Free Hand Regarding Congress Councillor Anwar Qadri?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CM Mohan Yadav supports decisive police action.
- Anwar Qadri is evading law enforcement.
- Charges involve religious conversions and sexual harassment.
- Protests by VHP highlight community concerns.
- Law enforcement's role is under scrutiny.
Indore, June 19 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated on Thursday that he has granted the police a free hand to address the situation involving Congress councillor Anwar Qadri, confidently asserting that Qadri will soon face incarceration.
Qadri is currently facing charges related to his alleged participation in religious conversions funded by external sources.
The Indore police reported that an extensive manhunt is underway to capture the Congress councillor, who has been evading authorities for the past four days. An FIR was lodged against him at the Banganga police station on June 16.
In light of the situation, the Chief Minister emphasized that he has directed Indore police to locate Qadri swiftly.
“I have instructed the police to locate him promptly. Individuals who engage in criminal activities will face legal repercussions. I have entrusted the police with the authority to take necessary actions against such offenders,” the Chief Minister remarked, without specifically naming Qadri.
As per police reports, a case was registered against Qadri at the Banganga police station based on testimonies from two individuals, Shahil Shaikh and Altaf Ali, who were apprehended for allegedly sexually harassing Hindu women and coercing them into religious conversions.
A video surfaced showing the detained suspects being interrogated by an unidentified individual, revealing that they were allegedly compensated Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively, by Qadri for the purpose of “marrying a Hindu woman.”
A police officer indicated that while the suspects were initially charged with rape, additional charges related to criminal conspiracy and provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, were later applied. Qadri was also identified as an accused in this case.
Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), along with the Indore BJP unit, organized a protest at the Banganga police station, demanding the arrest of Congress leader Anwar Qadri.