Nainital: The Uttarakhand High Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the death of Fahim, who was shot dead during the Banbhoolpura riots in Haldwani on February 8, 2024.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Guhanathan Narendar and Justice Alok Mehra also directed the transfer of investigating officer Neeraj Bhakuni out of the district, citing a shoddy investigation.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Fahim’s brother, Parvez, seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the incident.
The petitioner alleged that despite a directive issued by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Nainital on May 6, 2024, asking police to register a case against unidentified persons and submit a report, no meaningful action was taken.
The petition further claimed that the police failed to comply with the CJM’s order, did not register an FIR, and conducted no investigation, despite repeated complaints. It also sought protection for the family of the deceased.
During the previous hearing, the high court had criticised the manner in which the probe was being handled and expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation process.
Fahim had died of a bullet injury during the communal violence in Banbhoolpura on February 8.
