Paswan demands judicial probe into Jalna police firing

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Apr 13 (UNI) Union Minister for chemicals, fertilizers and Steel Ram Vilas Paswan today demanded a Judicial inquiry into the ''civilty'' police firing on Dalit protestors at Jalna on April 10, and suspension of the police officials.

He was addressing a press conference here after visiting Jalna town, which witnessed violence after the desecration of the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in Kanhaiyanagar locality.

Though, the police officials have said three people were injured in the firing, Mr Paswan claimed that five dalit activists were injured in the police firing.

Mr Paswan announced a financial assistance of Rs ten thousand each to the five injured, and handed over the cash amount of Rs 50,000 to his party's local office bearers to hand it over to them.

The LJP supremo disclosed that residents of the Kanhaiyanagar locality of the town told him that the dalit activists, gathered around the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, were merely telling the police officials to mskes a police Panchanama of the desecration.

Instead of listening to their demand, the police officials resorted to lathi charge and subsequently opened fire at the crowd, he said. ''Innocent dalit activists were injured in the incident and the mob turned violent,'' he added.

Mr Paswan demanded immediate action against those responsible for the desecration and urged the authorities to release the dalit activists including students arrested by them in connection with the violence on April 10.

The Jalna police have arrested 26 persons in connection with violence and arson. Two of the arrested persons were picked up for alleged involvement in the desecration of the statue.

A group of dalit activists went on rampage following the desecration of the statue on April 10, prompting the police to resort to lathi-charge and open fire. The police fired 11 rounds in the air to disperse the violent mob, that set fire to several State Transport buses, police vans and other vehicles.

The troubled locality of the town was placed under curfew for nearly 24 hours after incident.

UNI