Evidence etc.

By Dilip -
Allegations must be supported by evidence - this is an unimpeachable principle.
(Eyewitnesses statements count as evidence when made in court)

Here is Mr M.J. Akbar's reaction to allegations against him:
"The allegations of misconduct made against me are false and fabricated, spiced up by innuendo and malice. I could not reply earlier as I was on an official tour.. Accusation without evidence has become a viral fever among some sections. Whatever be the case, now that I have returned, my lawyers will look into these wild and baseless allegations in order to decide our future course of legal action..." (Emphases added. Read his full statement here)

Here is an example of the kind of allegations Akbar refers to - in this case he was the one making them: In the Sunday Times of India of November 30, 2008; M. J. Akbar's piece on page 8 contains these sentences: "Where was the anti-terrorist squad? It's chief, Hemant Karkare (undoubtedly a very brave officer who lost his life..).. apparently received a death threat a few days before but his own unit did not bother - they were all busy playing games on behalf of their political masters."

So the ATS had 'apparently' received a death threat directed at Karkare. How did Akbar know this? Upon what basis did he accuse the ATS of "playing games on behalf of their political masters" ? 
Who were these masters? What we do know is that Karkare was investigating the Malegaon blast case; and that this had infuriated the Sangh Parivar. But why did Akbar make this allegation? Those familiar with intelligence know that death threats are common. Was the Malegaon investigation a game? Did it not deserve to be investigated with the same professionalism as any other crime?

The BJP had attacked Hemant Karkare on the ground that "Hindus cannot be terrorists"; and that the entire investigation was a political ploy. But Karkare had defended himself on TV, saying he was saddened by these speculations, that he was just doing his duty, and there was no question of bias.

Are not violence and terror an evil regardless of who indulge in it? Narendra Modi and the BJP were denouncing Karkare in the same language as M.J. Akbar a few days before he laid down his life in the line of duty. His death temporarily silenced the Parivar; but Akbar saw fit to insult this officer in print even after he had been murdered. 

 Baseless allegations are not a good thing. The sabotage of criminal justice is not a good thing either; but it seems to be the main aim of the RSS/BJP to whom Akbar has seen fit to attach his loyalty. 

Here are more examples of the disappearance of evidence
Sabotage of Indian criminal justice continues: Aseemanand’s ‘disclosure’ missing from court
Five including Aseemanand acquitted, judge who delivered verdict resigns
Mecca Masjid case - Aseemanand acquitted, along with RSS pracharak convicted for Ajmer blast
8 Years After British Teen Scarlett Keeling's Death In Goa, Both Accused Let Off / Ruchika molestation case: SC upholds conviction of former Haryana DGP, jail term reduced to 18 months
Anoopa Anand - Bengaluru molestation: Nothing's changed on the city's busiest grope street

 see also
Twenty Years Too Long: Women’s Reservation Bill Continues to Languish in Lok Sabha 
More threats and lies from the RSS


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