Ratlam horror: BJP fires broadside at Bhuria

Bhopal, Feb 23 (UNI) The Bharatiya Janata Party's Madhya Pradesh unit today accused Union Minister of State for Agriculture Kantilal Bhuria of deriving political mileage from the case regarding finding of foetuses' in a mission hospital's premises in Ratlam district headquarters.

''Mr Bhuria's mindless rhetoric, over the horrendous matter that prima facie seems foeticide, is indecent and may vitiate communal harmony,'' unit Spokesperson Archana Chitnis told reporters here.

After a recent visit to the hospital, Mr Bhuria -- who is an MP from that region -- alleged that the infirmary's reputaton was being sullied by a conspiracy hatched by the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

''It appears the Minister's statement is aimed at pleasing his party's leader. The state government has formed a five-member probe committee. The Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission has sought a detailed report from the district administration. In such a situation, Mr Bhuria's comment seems meaningless,'' Ms Chitnis said.

Pointing out that sweeper Jagram confessed -- during interrogation -- that foeticide took place at the infirmary, she added that hospital records also revealed evidence of the crime.

''In such circumstances, Mr Bhuria's attempt to shield the accused is beyond comprehension. Such an irresponsible statement was not expected from a union minister of state. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan himself directed the administration to conduct an impartial probe,'' Ms Chitnis felt.

Pointing out that pro-Hindu organisations were accused of a nun's murder in Jhabua during the predecessor Congress regime, she added that it was later proved that the persons associated with the victim's institute had a hand.

Since February 18, excavation has yielded more than 500 bones of foetuses and a few aged persons. Hospital Director P William and Jagram were apprehended and later released on bail.

UNI