Mevani demands probe into bandh violence in Rajasthan

Dalit leader and Independent MLA from Gujarat Jignesh Mevani on Monday demanded a high-level probe into the violence witnessed during and after the bandh on April 2 in Rajasthan called by Dalit groups in protest against the dilution of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Mr. Mevani visited Alwar and Sikar districts to meet the victims of violence.

Mr. Mevani addressed a “Jan Samvad” (public dialogue) programme at Mazdoor Kisan Bhavan – the CPI(M) State headquarters – along with a battery of social activists. He accused the police of registering false cases against Dalits after the April 2 bandh and alleged that the BJP government was suppressing the Dalit community.

The activist-turned-politician said he would visit all districts of Rajasthan, even though the State government was trying to stop him from conducting rallies. “I will meet at least one lakh Dalits and ask them to take a vow not to support BJP in the coming Assembly elections,” he said.

Fact-finding team

At the invitation of Dalit Adivasi Daman Pratirodh Manch, Mr. Mewani went with a fact-finding team to Khairthal in Alwar district and Neem Ka Thana in Sikar district on Sunday. He also met the family of Pawan Kumar, who was killed in police firing during the bandh, at Jhaldi village near Alwar. The local authorities had imposed prohibitory orders at these place ahead of Mr. Mevani’s visit.

Among others, social activist and Magsaysay Award winner Aruna Roy also addressed the Jan Samvad programme. Mr. Mevani will go to Ladnu in Nagaur district on Tuesday.