Solan: Apple trader files complaint against BKU activists for 'misbehaviour' in presence of Rakesh Tikait

Solan, August 29

Apple trader Vicky Chauhan, who had protested the “obstruction” in apple trading following sloganeering by Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) activists at the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) yard on the Kather bypass on Saturday, lodged a police complaint alleging misbehaviour by union members.

The incident had taken place in the presence of BKU leader Rakesh Tikait yesterday.

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Additional SP, Solan, Ashok Verma, while confirming the news, said, “A complaint has been received from a trader, Vicky Chauhan, regarding yesterday’s incident on the Kather bypass, where a confrontation had occurred with BKU activists. It is being looked into.”

Also read: Offered ‘low rates’ by Adani, apple growers in Himachal turn to APMCs

Chauhan today told mediapersons that he was feeling threatened as BKU activists were enquiring about him. He also added that he had merely told them not to raise slogans in the APMC yard as trading was at its peak and Tikait’s vehicle had obstructed the entry of apple trucks into the yard.

BKU state vice-president Vinod Kumar, on the other hand, claimed that Vicky had vitiated the atmosphere during Tikait's visit.

“Is sloganeering prohibited in public space or has Section 144 of the CrPC been imposed there by the administration?” he asked.

He alleged that the incident was sponsored by the Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha and demanded registration of an FIR against the trader for vitiating the atmosphere.

The BJP rubbished the allegations levelled by the BKU. BJP mandal president Madan Thakur said neither was Vicky a member of the BJP nor had the party any role in yesterday’s incident. — TNS

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