Dhule's Uniformed Rioters

The death of six Muslim youth (all below 25 years) in police firing during riots in the northern Maharashtra town of Dhule on 6 January is proof that very little has changed in the attitude of the Maharashtra police. Twenty years ago, when communal riots rocked Mumbai, the bias of the local police force was more than evident. The Srikrishna Commission as well as numerous other fact-finding committees and media reports documented the incriminatory role of the Mumbai police and its anti-minority attitude.

Therefore it comes as no surprise that once again the communal bias of the local police is on full display, this time in Dhule. A small quarrel (over a lunch bill of Rs 60) turned into a riot and a section of the police not only took sides but also participated in it. Video clippings showing policemen looting stalls, hammering on vehicles in Muslim-dominated areas and aiming above the waist as they fired at rioters in Dhule are in the public domain.