NEWSPRISM, DESK
NEW DELHI: The brutal rape and murder of a 33-year-old Muslim nurse in Uttarakhand has ignited outrage across the country, with growing demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case. The victim, identified as Tasleem Jahan, was a nurse at a private hospital in Rudrapur. Her death has drawn disturbing parallels to the recent Kolkata doctor murder case, yet it has received comparatively little media attention, raising concerns about possible bias in the response to such heinous crimes.
According to the Indiatomorrow.net, Tasleem Jahan left her home on July 30th to go to work but never returned. Her family reported her missing the next day. Eight days later, on August 8th, her mutilated body was discovered in an empty plot about 1.5 kilometers from her residence in Bilaspur, near the Uttarakhand border. The police investigation led to the arrest of Dharmendra Kumar, a 28-year-old construction laborer from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, who confessed to raping and murdering Tasleem.
According to the police, Dharmendra, who was intoxicated at the time, followed Tasleem as she was returning home from work, attacked her, and dragged her into nearby bushes. He then raped and strangled her with her scarf before crushing her face with a stone to conceal her identity. Dharmendra reportedly stole her mobile phone, ₹3,000 from her purse, and other valuables before fleeing the scene.
The Uttarakhand Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the crime, but the victim’s family has rejected the police’s findings, calling the investigation a “fake revelation.” Tasleem’s father and brother have expressed skepticism about the police narrative and demanded justice, alleging that the real culprits are being protected.
Rafi Ahmad, Tasleem’s brother, accused the police and administration of a cover-up. He claimed that Tasleem’s body was found with her organs removed and her face disfigured, suggesting a more sinister motive behind the crime. The family has called for a CBI investigation, supported by various legal and civil society experts.
The lack of significant media coverage and the muted response from political leaders have sparked widespread outrage. Protests have been organized across the country, with demonstrators demanding a thorough investigation and justice for Tasleem.
Meena Sharma, Senior Vice President of the Uttarakhand Women’s Congress, led a demonstration at the SSP’s office, demanding a CBI probe. The Congress Women’s Committee in Uttarakhand has also submitted a memorandum to the authorities, urging a fair investigation.
The case has drawn attention in the political sphere, with former Uttarakhand MLA Premanad Maharaj and other opposition leaders demanding a CBI investigation. Social activists, including Muhammad Shadaab, have organized candlelight marches, while students at Aligarh Muslim University have protested in solidarity with the victim.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also weighed in, condemning the government’s alleged leniency in cases of violence against women. She criticized the apparent protection of the accused and called for stronger actions to ensure justice.
On social media, the case has sparked widespread anger, with hashtags like #JusticeForTasleemJahan trending as activists and citizens demand accountability. Many have pointed out the stark contrast in the public and media response compared to similar cases in other states, attributing the difference to political affiliations and the victim’s religious identity.
The brutal rape and murder of Jahan have highlighted deep-seated issues of bias and double standards in the treatment of sexual violence cases in India. As public outrage continues to grow, the calls for a transparent and impartial investigation are becoming increasingly urgent, with many demanding that justice be served without regard to the victim’s identity or the state’s political landscape.