No Bias Intimidation Charge In Edison Bulldozer Case: Prosecutor

EDISON, NJ – After an investigation, authorities have concluded that there was no cause for bias intimidation in the Edison bulldozer incident, Middlesex County Prosecutor said Friday.

On Aug. 14, a bulldozer with signs and slogans expressing support for Indian prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was included in the India Independence Day Parade held in Edison. More: Muslim Groups Condemn Presence Of Bulldozer At Parade In Edison

The Edison Police Department said it received various complaints saying the float was offensive and Islamophobic.

Following the reports, the County Prosecutor and Edison Police began an investigation.

"As a result of its investigation, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office has concluded that the incident was properly reported and classified as a bias incident. The Prosecutor’s Office has further determined that sufficient probable cause to charge a violation of the law, more specifically N.J.S.A. 2C:16-1, commonly referred to as Bias Intimidation, does not exist,” Ciccone said.

The prosecutor’s office said that they will continue to investigate every bias incident in the community.

“The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office reiterates its stance against hate in all forms and will continue to vigorously investigate every reported bias incident in our community and will not hesitate to prosecute consistent with the law,” Ciccone said.

In a statement to Patch the Council on American-Islamic Relations, New Jersey thanked the Prosecutor’s office for investigating the incident and welcomed their decision to classify it as a “bias incident.”

“Hindutva is a growing form of anti-Muslim bigotry in New Jersey, and CAIR-NJ will continue to monitor it closely. We also call on community leaders and elected officials to continue to condemn anti-Muslim Hindu supremacist movements and incidents in a timely manner,” CAIR NJ said.

“Moving forward, CAIR-NJ will continue its efforts to educate and inform the general public and elected officials about the threat that Hindutva poses to Muslims in New Jersey and India.”

India's brand of “bulldozer politics” has been criticized as disproportionately targeting religious-minority communities in India. The bulldozer became a divisive symbol after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) used them to demolish the homes and livelihoods of the Muslim community. Critics say the demolitions are part of a retaliatory response to Muslims protesting or being vocal critics of the government.

After the Edison incident, resident and community leaders called for action and accountability. More: Calls For Accountability Grow Over Bulldozer In Edison Parade

Many public meetings were held where residents said they were disappointed to see the presence of the machinery at the parade.

Mayor Sam Joshi and NJ Legislators condemned the incident and promised action. More: NJ Legislators Condemn Use Of Bulldozer During Edison Parade

CAIR NJ also thanked all lawmakers including Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker for their statements of support.

The Indian Business Association, organizers of the parade, apologized saying it wasn’t their intention to hurt anyone’s sentiments. More: Organizers Apologize For Including Bulldozer In Edison Parade