The Hindu : Front Page : Uproar over Agra violence, Bihar incident

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Aug 30, 2007
ePaper

Front Page

Front Page

Uproar over Agra violence, Bihar incident

Special Correspondent

RJD members in Lok Sabha allege that Bhagalpur happening is indicative of “jungle raj” in Bihar

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha was briefly adjourned on Wednesday following protests over violence in Agra and the Bhagalpur incident of an alleged thief being mercilessly beaten up by a mob and dragged by a motorcycle.

Pandemonium broke out soon after question hour, with Rashtriya Janata Dal members threatening to storm the well of the House on the Bhagalpur incident. Asking Speaker Somnath Chatterjee to take up the matter, they alleged that the incident was indicative of the “jungle raj” prevailing in the Janata Dal (United)-Bharatiya Janata Party ruled Bihar.

Almost at the same time, the Samajwadi Party members trooped into the well protesting against the incidents in Agra, where violence erupted after four persons taking part in a religious procession were run over by a truck on Tuesday night.

Since the Speaker had allowed a discussion on the adjournment motion, he asked them to maintain order. But as the din continued, he adjourned the proceedings for 20 minutes.

The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Bhagalpur Superintendent of Police and the Director-General of Police (Bihar) on the issues and sought a reply within four weeks.

The Bihar police seem to be living in the old colonial days, with the authorities showing scant regard for the dignity of the people, the commission said.

It strongly disapproved of such “despicable behaviour” and described it as a serious issue of violation of human rights.

The National Commission for Minorities too has sought a report from the Bihar Government on the incident.

A meeting of the commission, chaired by Harcharan Singh Josh, said the accused, Mohammad Aurangzeb, was treated like an “animal and a slave” by the police, who joined the mob in punching, kicking and dragging him down a street. The commission has written to Bihar Chief Secretary, seeking a report on the incident.

The CPI’s national executive condemned the “barbaric” assault and sought immediate dismissal and arrest of the guilty policemen. One is struck with horror at the brutality of the police, conniving with delivery of instant justice, it said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page