Dalits demand fair probe into murder

Tribune News Service

Karnal, April 23

State Congress president Ashok Tanwar today extended support to protesting Dalit community members of Patrehri village in Ambala district, who are camping at Karan Park here for the last two days, and demanded a fair inquiry to resolve the matter.

The community members are demanding release of four youths, who were arrested in connection with the murder of a 70-year-old man in the village on March 13. Besides, they are demanding an inquiry by some other agency in the case.

Tanwar, along with other party leaders, joined the protest of the community members who marched towards the Chief Minister’s camp office. The protesters tried to gherao the office but were stopped by the police. They staged a dharna outside the camp office and later returned to Karan Park and continued with their protest there.

Earlier, Tanwar, accompanied by state Congress secretary Pankaj Punia and others, accused the state government of not paying heed to the grievances of Dalits. He said his motive was not to spread tension in society but instead he wanted to create the feeling of brotherhood.

He said residents of Patrheri village were camping in Karnal but nobody listened to their grievances.

Krishan Kumar, a protester, said the Ambala police had arrested only Dalit youths but let go those belonging to upper castes who were also booked but not arrested. He demanded a fair investigation in the matter.