 |
|
The recent tragic deaths of three civil services aspirants in Delhi, who perished after a coaching institute basement flooded following heavy rains, have sparked public outcry and a legal battle. Among the seven individuals arrested in connection with the incident is businessman Manuj Kathuria, whose actions have drawn particular scrutiny and ignited a wave of online debate. The Delhi Police allege that Kathuria's reckless driving of a Force Gurkha SUV through the waterlogged street triggered the floodwater to break the gates of the Rau's IAS Study Circle building, ultimately inundating the basement. However, this claim has been met with skepticism and resistance from netizens who have cited an old video clip of Kathuria, highlighting his calm and cautious driving demeanor, starkly contrasting with the police's depiction of him as a 'mastikhor' (mischievous/fun-loving).
The video, which has gone viral, shows Kathuria discussing his driving philosophy, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining a speed that ensures the comfort of himself, his vehicle, and other road users. This contradicts the police's portrayal of him as a reckless and dangerous driver, leading many to question the basis of his arrest. Journalists and social media users have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their doubts about the police's narrative, highlighting the discrepancy between Kathuria's public persona and the accusations leveled against him. Despite the high court's strong reprimand of the police for their actions, a Delhi court dismissed the bail pleas of five of the accused, including Kathuria, further fueling public frustration and concerns about the fairness of the legal process.
Reacting to the rejection of her husband's bail plea, Shima Kathuria, Manuj's wife, expressed her family's deep disappointment and disbelief. She emphasized their strong belief in his innocence and underscored their commitment to seeking justice. The high court's remarks concerning the arrest of a passerby, in a seemingly unrelated context, have further strengthened the Kathuria family's determination to clear Manuj's name. The case has become a focal point of public debate, with questions raised about the police's handling of the investigation, the fairness of the judicial proceedings, and the weight of public opinion in shaping the narrative of the incident. As the legal process continues, the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for all involved, potentially impacting the public's trust in law enforcement and the judicial system.