What happens when an innocent person is targeted by a mob and falsely accused? Most would assume that justice holds the perpetrators accountable. But as the story of Tasleem from Indore shows, it’s often the victim who ends up in jail. His case isn’t an isolated incident—it’s part of a larger pattern of mob violence, fabricated charges, and systemic failures that plague India’s justice system.
In 2021, Tasleem, a bangle seller, was attacked in Indore for entering a Hindu neighborhood. The mob accused him of using a fake identity and attempting to "trap Hindu women." Despite video evidence of the mob’s violence, Tasleem was arrested under fabricated charges, including sexual harassment and forgery. He spent four months in jail and over three years fighting in court before being acquitted.
The 13-year-old girl cited in the FIR failed to identify Tasleem in court. The evidence of dual Aadhaar cards, used to accuse him of forgery, was proven baseless. Yet, Tasleem’s life was irreparably damaged.
A Pattern of Injustice
Tasleem’s case is not unique. In 2022, Abhishek Gupta, a technician, was falsely accused of religious conversion by the Hindu Jagran Manch in Uttar Pradesh. He spent 40 days in jail, lost his job, and faced threats to his life before being acquitted.
Similarly, in 2017, 17 Muslims in Madhya Pradesh were accused of celebrating Pakistan’s cricket victory and charged with sedition. Six years later, a court found the charges fabricated, with witnesses admitting they were coerced by police.
The Role of Police and Judiciary
False cases thrive due to systemic failures. Police often act on mob pressure or political influence, filing baseless charges without proper investigation. Meanwhile, India’s overburdened judiciary struggles to provide timely justice.
Pending Cases: Over 4.5 crore cases are pending in India’s lower courts, with 3 crore being criminal cases.
Judicial Vacancies: 30% of judge positions in High Courts and 5,246 posts in district courts remain vacant.
This backlog not only delays justice but emboldens those who misuse the system.
Who Pays the Price?
The victims of false cases face financial ruin, loss of reputation, and psychological trauma. Yet, those responsible—whether mobs, police, or political leaders—rarely face consequences. Even after acquittal, victims like Tasleem refuse to press charges, seeking peace over prolonged battles.
India must urgently address the issue of false cases. Strong legal action against those filing fabricated complaints is essential to deter misuse of the system. Without accountability, lives will continue to be destroyed, and public trust in justice will erode further.
Until then, the we will keep asking: Janab, aise kaise?