‘Fake’ encounters in UP: Akhilesh attacks Yogi govt for ‘misusing police’

Joining the debate over "fake" encounters in UP, former chief minister and SP president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday accused the current BJP regime of misusing the police.

Lucknow, May 11: The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has come under the scanner for alleged "fake" encounters in the state. Joining the debate over "fake" encounters in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state, former chief minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday accused the current regime of misusing the police.

"The BJP is misusing the Uttar Pradesh police, which is inflicting torture on the people of the state and creating fear among them. The SP is not only raising questions, but also telling other opposition parties that the government is continuously engaged in fake encounters," the SP chief told reporters in Lucknow.

Yadav added that the government should at least provide a list of criminals carrying reward on their head to substantiate its claim that those killed by the police were highly notorious.

The former CM demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation to the next of kin of Narendra Gujjar, against whom, he said, a "fake cow slaughter case" was registered, and claimed that Gujjar was tortured to death in custody by the police in Meerut.

"It is the duty of the government to see that everyone gets justice. Has the situation worsened to that extent where no one can plead for justice? Will the BJP now deprive the people of the state of justice?" he asked.

As many as 50 dreaded criminals have been killed in over 1,400 encounters in the more than a year in the state, while 3,435 history-sheeters were put behind bars following encounters.

Yadav also referred to the death of the father of Unnao rape survivor in police custody.

"The BJP says that we used to give Rs 50 lakh compensation when a Muslim died. Today, when a Hindu has died, why are you (the BJP) not helping? We do not believe in taking advantage by creating rift between the Hindus and the Muslims. This is just a diversionary tactics," the SP chief alleged.

Yadav blamed the UP police for the unrest in Aligarh Muslim University. "If the government had wanted, then the situation would not have worsened," he said.
Regarding the reports of CBI probe into sale of sugar mills during Mayawati regime, Yadav said the investigation was being done keeping the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in mind.

Attacking the BJP in the context of Kairana and Noorpur bypolls, he said, "These people have been saying that if other parties win the bypolls, then Diwali will be celebrated in Pakistan. I never went to Pakistan, nor do I have a Pakistani visa. The BJP should tell who went to Pakistan discreetly."

Taking a jibe at CM Adityanath, he said, "The UP CM is not bothered about improving the law and order in UP. He is more bothered about the law and order of Karnataka (where he campaigned for the Assembly elections)."

When his attention was drawn to reports on Congress president Rahul Gandhi's ambition to become the prime minister, Yadav said, "These are post-poll matters. I have good relation with the Congress chief."

The SP had forged an electoral alliance with the Congress during the 2017 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. Yadav was named as one of the star campaigners of the Congress for the Karnataka Assembly elections 2018 scheduled on Saturday. The results of the state polls will be declared on May 15. Both the BJP and the Congress are fighting a bitter battle to win the high-stake Karnataka elections.