By Prof. S.K.Bhalla
The noose of PSA around the neck of Gola Shah is giving tension to many in J&K. In a daily, the detail of 22 FIRs has been printed and it is something for Guinness Book of World Records. It is a right step though belatedly. So he is the guest of the Govt.
Who made him a confirmed land grabber is the bone of contention? It is our system of governance that has failed us on many fronts. The erstwhile Vigilance Organization of J&K, the Crime Branch, the CID Wing, a few top ranking bureaucrats, the notorious Revenue Dept., the politicians of all shades present as well as past made him a notorious hero for whom the rule of law did not matter.
As per my information there are a few white collar thieves in our J&K who have been the beneficiaries of land grabbing including businessmen, ex-Advisor, politicians, a few Advocates, some in the bureaucratic circle etc. The lists of demonized land grabbers are already in the public domain. It is a crowd of sorts and very difficult even for the administration to take on them. The list of big wigs is demanded by High Court of J&K. Again, one is not sure who will be included and who deleted.
A few media houses have also been the beneficiaries of land grabbing and when they were exposed, they started filing defamatory suits that shall be fought with all the intensity and minimal resources at the command.
Let me quote Julio Ribeiro who writes today “All scientific methods of investigation taught in Police Colleges are now not needed! If a person accused of crime is a known offender or a budding criminal that alone is sufficient to condemn him to death. That the poor are disproportionately represented on the list of criminals makes no impression on an administration run by cynical officers for the privileged lot”. Let us ponder on the observation if possible.
Punjab’s CM sacked Punjab Health Minister on corruption charge. A man is honest and preaches honesty so long as he does not hold a position of authority. Strength of moral character is needed. The fast track decision taken by Punjab CM must be emulated by our L-G/CS.
All those about whom the details are in public domain repeatedly must be made to taste the treatment doled out to Gola Shah including media and liquor magnates. They are known to administration but the will is lacking. I don’t know why a few blue eyed police officers need not be tackled as they have been involved in illegal practices. I may not be compelled to name them.