Protest in Surpur seeking CID probe into Dalit’s murder
YADGIR:Nearly 6,000 protesters, including BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) workers and activists of pro-Dalit organisations, who came from various parts of Surpurtaluk, staged a symbolic protest near Gandhi Chowk in Surpur town in Yadgir district on Friday demanding a probe by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) into the murder of a Dalit in Pet Ammapur village on December 11, 2013.
The protesters, under the leadership of the former Minister NarasimhaNaik, gathered at the chowk in the morning and blocked the road crossing through the chowk till afternoon.
They alleged that MareppaChalawadi, a Dalit, was murdered in the village by the supporters of local Congress leader VithalYadav, who is said to be a close follower of MLA Raja VenkatappaNaik, due to enmity. However, the police had failed to make any efforts to arrest the accused persons though there have been repeated pleas by the BJP workers and pro-Dalit organisations.
‘Take action’
Mr. Naik, who addressed the gathering, alleged that police inspector AslamBasha had failed in handling the case properly and demanded that he be sacked and action taken against him.
He alleged that the police were harassing BJP workers by registering false cases against them after the incident. Mr. Naik demanded a detailed inquiry into the cases filed against the party workers. He also sought police protection for them.
Additional Deputy Commissioner GangubaiMankar and Superintendent of Police Vamsi Krishna visited the spot and assured the protesters of taking action on the memorandum submitted by them.
When contacted, Mr. Krishna told The Hindu that no arrest has been made but an inquiry was on in the murder case. A report on the demand for a CID probe would be submitted to the higher officers shortly, he said. Mr. Krishna also said that a report on the allegations made against Mr. Basha would be submitted to the department after an inquiry.
DoddappagoudaPatilNaribol, former legislator, VeerannagoudaMallabadi, BJP district president, DevendraNathNad, BasavarajKhandre and activists of Dalit SangharshSamiti, Dalit Sene, ChalawadiMahasabha and Valmiki community participated.
Source: The Hindu
