CPM delegation meets victim’s family, demands compensation

Ravi S. Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 24

A CPM delegation visited Khandavali village in Faridabad district today and met the family of Junaid Khan, who was stabbed to death by a group of people after an altercation over a train seat turned communal near Ballabhgarh in Haryana on Thursday. His two brothers and a friend were injured in the attack. It demanded compensation for the bereaved family and immediate arrest of the attackers. 

The delegation comprising Brinda Karat, Mohammad Salim (MP) and Haryana party secretary Surender Malik returned here after meeting Junaid’s family members. The party also demanded disclosure of  the culprits’ political connection, and security in all local trains running on the Delhi-Palwal route.

Karat alleged that communal  attacks on minority community members have increased in the BJP-ruled states. They were following the RSS agenda, she said.

She debunked the state government’s version that the ugly incident occurred due to a conflict over a train seat. She said villagers told the delegation that harassment of minority community members travelling in trains on the Delhi-Pawal route was a common occurrence. She alleged that no elected representative or official from the Haryana Government visited the bereaved family. “Persecution of  minority community members has increased in BJP-ruled states. Minority communities in states, including Haryana, are feeling insecure,” Karat said.

She expressed concern that Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh did not condemn the incident. The party would meet him on the issue. Surender Malik said a protest would be organised against the incident. 

The CPM said the harassment of the youths on the communal ground began before the train reached the Ballabgarh railway station in Faridabad district. They were stabbed by the mob.