Violence re-erupts in Saharanpur, 1 dead

Shahira Naim

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, May 23

Soon after BSP chief Mayawati left after addressing an impressive gathering amid "Jai Bhim" slogans in Saharanpur today, Shabbirpur and neighbouring villages were hit by caste violence yet again. 

A 32-year-old Dalit youth, Arvind, from Chandrapur village under the Badgaon police station, who was brutally assaulted, succumbed to his injuries. Seven more were injured, one of them seriously.

However, sources close to the Bhim Sena claimed that Thakurs in Shabbirpur, Chandrapur and adjoining villages "attacked" Dalits while they were returning home after Mayawati’s rally, leaving three dead and more than 12 injured.

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Meerut ADG Anand Kumar has rushed to Shabbirpur. The violence occurred despite the district administration being on high alert. The village had been turned into a fortress with heavy security. Mayawati had warned before her departure that the BJP government would be responsible if any untoward incident occurred after her Shabbirpur visit.

Appealing for peace, she squarely blamed the Yogi-led state government's “discriminatory” policies for the May 5  violence and announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for each of those whose houses were set ablaze as well as Rs 25,000 for each of  the injured.