The saga of Suleman Siddique Khan’s escape from police custody has gripped public attention over the past few days, culminating in dramatic video clips that have added an unexpected twist to the script. Through these three clips released on Sunday evening, Suleman alleges that he was escorted out of the state by two teams of police personnel. He names Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Rahul Gupta and other policemen for assaulting him while in custody. And, he expresses willingness to surrender if the investigation is handed over to the CBI, a plea that conveys a deep-seated distrust in the local enforcement.
The reaction to the video clips and the social media frenzy that ensued has further blurred the lines between objective discourse and sensationalism. A few Opposition leaders have rallied around Suleman’s claims, amplifying the skepticism directed at the police force which is already grappling with questions of integrity following this incident. However, the curious alignment of political interests with the grievances voiced by a man with a checkered history raises questions about the motives at play.
At the heart of this situation lies a horrendous reality: a convicted criminal with multiple cases against him is being given credence. Surprisingly, despite a criminal portfolio that includes serious charges such as murder, forgery, and land grabbing scattered across multiple states, Suleman's narrative is treated as a credible source of truth. It is puzzling that sentiments are so easily swept away by the dramatic recounting of a fugitive whose past is replete with malfeasance.
Undoubtedly, the police have made critical errors, and their operational protocols, particularly in light of Suleman’s swift escape, warrant thorough scrutiny. However, the assertion that two police teams were involved in his exit plan lacks tangible evidence, as is the claim of "fear of life". Such unfounded allegations deserve no space in discourses because they come from a "hardened criminal" who is on the run. While it is critical to hold law enforcement accountable, to leap to the conclusion that collusion exists across the entire police force is hollow, and smacks of "score-settling".
Adding another layer to this murky narrative is the issue of the videos themselves. The police need to urgently investigate the source point of the pen drive and track its path to the lawyer of the fugitive — Amit Paleykar before the contents were unveiled by Congress leader Sunil Kawthankar. One cannot rule out political linkages or vested interests at this stage, because the purpose of realising the videos is still not clear.
In an era where misinformation spreads like wildfire, especially when data is unauthenticated, there is a need to exercise caution. The glorification of a hardened criminal and the bizarre elevation of his allegations to the status of gospel truth must be viewed through a critical lens. Accountability must be maintained — not just for the police but for all parties involved, including the political figures and a few activists who readily capitalize on sensational narratives.
While the intricacies of this case must be examined with fairness and integrity, it is equally essential to refrain from allowing sensationalism to cloud judgment. The truth often lies hidden beneath layers of a narrative, and it is only through rigorous investigation and objective discourse that we can hope to uncover it. The public discourse on Suleman must remain anchored in reality, lest we lose sight of true justice in a tide of political opportunism.
