17 Years in Prison Despite Insufficient Evidence – Is This Justice?
Mohammed Naseer Giyas
An acquittal is not a triumph of justice, but a confession of the state's failure. This raises haunting questions for every Indian who believes in human rights: Who will give back the 17 years these innocent individuals lost? Will the police who allegedly used torture to obtain false confessions be held accountable? Will the media outlets that labeled them terrorists and ruined their lives ever face scrutiny?This case highlights a disturbing and recurrent pattern in India's response to terrorism. When an attack occurs, investigative agencies often reflexively target Muslims. Young men from this community are detained, allegedly tortured, and publicly branded as terrorists. A predictable script unfolds: a blast is followed by the arrest of Muslims, a trial by me...