RS rocked by issues of MNS attacks, police beating of MP

New Delhi, Oct 21 (UNI) Rajya Sabha was rocked by the issues of alleged beating of a JD(U) member by police and the attacks unleashed by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) against North Indians with members lashing out at the Central Government for inaction in both cases.

The House witnessed noisy scenes for most part of the Zero Hour as the members demanded action by the Centre against the police officials responsible for manhandling the JD(U) member and MNS activists who had unleashed terror against North Indians in Maharashtra.

As the House took up Zero Hour, the first 15 minutes passed off peacefully with some papers being laid on the table.

However, the trouble began when Deputy Chairman Rahman Khan called for taking up the Legislative Business.

JD(U) member Dr Ejaz Ali, a recent entrant to the Rajya Sabha, wanted to speak about the police action last month in which he sustained injuries. However, the Deputy Chairman said the Privilege Notice that he had given, had already been admitted.

Dr Ali, supported by the BJP, Left and JD(U) members, trooped into the well of the House demanding action against the guilty police officials.

Dr Ali, narrating the incident, said he was leading a protest demonstration demanding reservation for Dalit Muslims when police beat him up with lathis and locked him up with 40 other JD(U) activists who were also injured.

Despite repeatedly saying that he was an MP but was being treated like a criminal, police beat him up, he said.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who was present in the House, said he was waiting for the report of the Privileges Committee based on which action would be taken against the guilty police officials.

The members, not satisfied with the Home Minister's response, said it was a very serious matters and concerned an MP's dignity. They demanded immediate action in the matter.

However, the Home Minister stood his ground saying he could not take any action without the report.

MS Brinda Karat (CPM) said the MP's statement was a prima facie evidence and the government should take action on that basis.

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