Council adjourned over Khairlanji killings

Nagpur, Dec 4 (UNI) The Maharashtra Legislative Council was today rocked by the September killing of four members of a Dalit family by villagers in Khairlanji in Bhandara district, being adjourned twice amid noisy scenes and sloganeering and finally the Council's session concluded for the day.

Deputy Chairman Vasant Davkhare directed that the discussion on the Khairlanji issue, initiated today under Rule 93, would continue tomorrow.

Pandemonium broke out after Nitin Gadkari (BJP) alleged that the police intended to arrest Jogendra Kawade, one of the members of the House, as soon as he left the Council Hall premises to prevent him from participating in the protest against the Khairlanji killings.

Participating in the discussion vide rule 93, Mr Gadkari said the government wanted to suppress the voice of the dalits.

Mr Gadkari's allegation about Mr Kawade's arrest triggered vociferous protests in the House, with the entire Opposition trooping into the well, raising slogans and displaying banners against the government.

This forced Mr Dawakhare, who was in the chair at the time, to adourn the proceedings for 20 minutes. The uproar continued after the house re-assembled, forcing a five minute adjournment.

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