Muzaffarnagar riots’ culprits behind Dadri tragedy: SP chief

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, October 8

Alleging that there was a pre-planned conspiracy behind the Dadri incident, Samajwadi Party national president Mulayam Singh Yadav today claimed that three senior leaders of a particular party were behind the violence that left 50-year-old Mohammed Ikhlaq dead and his 22-year-old son injured.

Addressing a press conference at the party office in Lucknow, Yadav said the same trio had instigated the Muzaffarnagar riots which had claimed 64 lives. “Once their involvement is confirmed we would unmask the conspiracy to create disharmony and derail the development process in the state”.

Breaking his silence after 10 days, SP patriarch described the Dadri incident as a “grave matter”. “Imagine an Air Force man serving the nation under trying circumstances getting the news of his father and brother being attacked in such a manner? It is a very serious matter. That is why even the Air Force Chief intervened”, said Yadav.

He praised the government of his son Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, saying that his bold initiative for development of the state was earning him acclaim everywhere. “That is why some elements are trying to distract attention from the good work that he is doing. The Opposition lost 13 byelections. They know that people, especially the youth, identify with the young Chief Minister”, said Yadav.

“Chor nahi, chor ki nani ko pakdenge (We will not catch the thief but the mind behind the theft)”, said Mulayam Singh Yadav while refusing to reveal the names till they are verified. Urging all political parties and the common people to maintain communal harmony, he said it was a prerequisite for development.

Refusing to answer a specific question on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the Dadri issue, Yadav said he would convey his concern to the PM personally.