Khursheed Ahmad Siddiqui Appeals to President Over Bairagiwala Case, Raises Constitutional Concerns

Report: Amaanullah Usmani

Dehradun, Uttarakhand,

Social activist Khursheed Ahmad Siddiqui has written a detailed letter to the Hon’ble President of India, seeking intervention in the aftermath of the Bairagiwala murder case in Dehradun and raising serious concerns regarding constitutional values, due process, and the rule of law.

In his letter, Siddiqui stated that an eleven-member delegation visited Bairagiwala to understand the ground reality and meet the victim’s family. According to the family members, the tragic incident stemmed from a long-standing personal dispute and was not the result of communal tension. They reportedly emphasized that Hindus and Muslims in the village have traditionally shared cordial and harmonious relations.

The delegation also visited the affected area to assess the damage caused after the incident, including houses that were allegedly vandalized and set on fire. Siddiqui questioned how such acts of violence and destruction could occur despite the presence of law enforcement agencies.

In his appeal, he argued that justice in a democracy must be delivered strictly through constitutional and legal procedures. He expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of punitive actions against accused persons’ properties and families before the completion of judicial proceedings.

The letter further raises questions about mob violence, collective punishment, and the targeting of innocent family members who may have no involvement in a crime. Siddiqui urged that punishment should be imposed only after due legal process and only upon those proven guilty by a competent court of law.

Appealing to the President as the guardian of the Constitution, he requested appropriate intervention to ensure that constitutional principles, the rule of law, and equal justice are upheld in the Bairagiwala case and in similar incidents across the country.

Siddiqui concluded by stating that democracy can remain strong only when justice is not only done but is also seen to be done fairly and impartially.