Varanasi lathicharge: BJP demands probe by retired judges

Varanasi, Oct 1: BJP on Thursday demanded a probe by a committee of retired judges into the police lathichage on seers and others during a dharna over immersion of idols in the Ganga river, opposing the magisterial probe ordered by the Uttar Pradesh government.

In a press conference at BJP's district unit office at Gulabbagh here, the BJP leaders demanded a probe by a committee of retired judges.

Local MLA Shyamdev Roy Chaudhary and MLC Laxman Acharya said the state government has entrusted an Additional District Magistrate-level officer with the responsibility of probing the lathicharge incident, whereas another ADM level officer is an accused in the case.

Gazipur ADM Murlidhar Mishra has been entrusted with the responsibility of probing the lathicharge incident and submit a report within a month.

BJP has demanded immediate removal of Varanasi District Magistrate, ADM (City) and Superintendent of Police (City) in connection with the incident.

Members of Sri Kashi Maratha Ganesha Utsav Samiti and various other religious outfits staged a dharna here from September 21 till 23 in protest against ban on immersion of Ganesha idols in the Ganga river.

The Allahabad High Court had issued order banning idol immersion in Ganga to check pollution.

The dharna was called off after alleged police action on the devotees. Swami Avimukteshwarananda, disciple of Dwarka Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopananda, dozens of his supporters, and seer Mahant Balak Das were injured in the incident.

PTI