“Identified by their clothes”, Muslim students detained by RPF personnel in Kanpur

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Minorities Commission has recommended punitive action against some Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials for allegedly detaining 14 minor students at Kanpur railway station while they were returning to their madrasa after a month's vacation.

The recommendation is based on a complaint filed by the director of the religious seminary concerned. The allegations suggest that the RPF arrested the students because of their attire. Although madrasa officials produced documents confirming the identity of the students, the police reportedly refused to release them. The students were sent to a juvenile reform home, where they had to stay for seven days.

The commission declared that the role of the RPF soldiers concerned “was not in accordance with their official duties. It is recommended that appropriate punitive measures be taken against them in accordance with the law.” She wrote to the RPF Senior Divisional Security Commissioner, North Central Railway (Prayagraj division).

On April 24, 14 children arrived at Kanpur Junction and were heading towards the madrasa when they were stopped by RPF personnel.

The complainant alleged that the children were targeted, even though they had valid train tickets, because they were wearing Muslim clothing. When madrasa officials arrived and presented the police with the documents required to confirm the students' identities, RPF officers reportedly refused to release them.

Later that evening, the children were sent to a juvenile home. The complainant also claimed that the children were not given food or water until the evening.

According to The Indian Expresssenior divisional security commissioner (Allahabad division) of the RPF, Vijay Prakash Pandit, said he had not received any communication from the commission.

A senior RPF officer said the commission did not give them the opportunity to present their point of view. They said they would appeal the commission's orders.