Won’t name anyone, says imam who lost son in Bengal arson
An Asansol mosque’s imam, who lost his 16-year-old son in last week’s clashes, said he will not name anyone as a suspect in the case as he did not want an innocent person to face any trouble.
“I did not witness my son’s murder. He disappeared after the riots broke out. I have decided not to name anyone as the suspect in my son’s murder. I cannot let any innocent person land in trouble. Let the police investigate and find out who is guilty,” Moulana Imdadul Rashidi said.
Rashidi, who urged Muslims not to retaliate after the news of his son Sibtullah’s death spread, has emerged as a symbol of harmony at a time when the area is engulfed in communal tension. He said a few people were taking his decision as his reluctance to co-operate in the probe but maintained that he was unfazed by such views. “Let them speculate. My stand is justified,” the Nurani Mosque imam said.
After Sibtullah’s body was recovered, Rashidi appealed for peace and restraint in an attempt to stop the violence from escalating.
“I have lost my son. But that cannot be the reason for peace being disturbed and people of the two communities killing each other. Anyone who fears Allah and loves Allah cannot call for revenge,” the imam said.
A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation visited Asansol on Sunday but did come to Rashidi’s neighbourhood.
The imam, however, said, “If they do not want to come here it is their wish. If anyone comes to meet me I will meet him. But I will not allow anyone to gain political mileage through such meetings.”
Muslims living in the locality
ASANSOL: AFTER SIBTULLAH’S BODY WAS RECOVERED, RASHIDI APPEALED FOR PEACE AND RESTRAINT IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VIOLENCE
said Rashidi’s message of camaraderie and harmony had struck a chord with the community because of which many of its members were now guarding the shops and properties belonging to the handful of Hindu families residing in the area.
“After Sibtullah’s body was found, some youngsters got furious. But we calmed them down. Not a single house, shop or the Shiva temple in the locality was attacked,” said Mehtab Alam, a local resident.
RK Verma, a local jeweller, said he was grateful of his neighbours for protecting his shop.
“I was not in town when the clashes took place. I got very scared because there was valuable jewellery inside. When I called up my neighbours, they assured me that everything would be safe,” said Verma.