The Bombay High Court directed Mumbai police to hasten their investigation into the Atrocities Act case against NCP leader Nawab Malik, initiated by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede. The court highlighted the need for timely resolution. Wankhede’s plea sought oversight due to alleged police inaction. The case emphasizes the judicial system’s response to caste-related grievances.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Thursday instructed the Mumbai police to expedite their investigation into the Atrocities Act case filed against NCP leader Nawab Malik by Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officer Sameer Wankhede. The court emphasized the need for the probe to reach its “logical conclusion” without further delay.
The police assured the division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and S.G. Dige that the investigation into the case, registered in 2022, would be completed within four weeks. They also informed the court about the addition of two new sections to the case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act:
- Section 3(1)(q): Pertains to providing false or frivolous information to a public servant to cause injury or annoyance.
- Section 3(1)(r): Relates to intentionally insulting or intimidating a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.
Accepting the police’s assurance, the bench posted the matter for further hearing on January 16, 2025.
Acknowledging the delay, the court noted:
“The FIR is of 2022. We are not putting any pressure. But it needs to be taken to its logical conclusion.”
Sameer Wankhede, currently serving as an additional commissioner in the Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS) and a member of the Mahar Scheduled Caste, filed a plea seeking the case’s transfer to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The plea, filed through his lawyer Sana Raees Khan, cited police inaction as the cause of significant mental distress and humiliation to Wankhede and his family.
In August 2022, Wankhede lodged a complaint with the Goregaon police in Mumbai under the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complaint accused Malik of making defamatory remarks about Wankhede’s caste during interviews and on social media.
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Despite the FIR being registered in 2022, Malik has not been arrested, and no chargesheet has been filed against him. In his petition submitted to the High Court on November 20, Wankhede alleged that the police had failed to conduct a proper investigation into the matter.
Wankhede also requested the High Court to oversee the investigation to ensure accountability and transparency.
As the court awaits the completion of the police investigation within the stipulated four-week period, all eyes remain on the January 2025 hearing. The case underscores the judicial system’s commitment to addressing caste-based grievances while ensuring timely action in sensitive matters.
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