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 The state government has categorically rejected the Opposition’s demand for a judicial inquiry into the lynching of two policemen in Bhiwandi where two members of a minority community were killed in police firing.
The Bhivandi violence totally dominated the proceedings of the house yesterday. Members were very aggressive and strongly expressed their feelings over this sensitive issue. Replying to the discussion on an adjournment motion, Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil said, “There was no need for such a probe when everything has happened in front of many people. The state government will appoint a competent officer to probe the issue.”
Patil said that in future no one would be allowed to even raise a finger at policemen in the state. “We will teach the assailants a lesson they will never forget,” said Patil, who also holds the Home portfolio. He has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs five lakh to each of the policemen’s families.
“The Police have unearthed several clues about identity of members of the group which carried out the attack on the policemen. The investigation is in the right direction, and the assailant will be nabbed soon,” he added.
Earlier, during the debate, BJP group leader in Assembly, Gopinath Munde said, “The government should file cases under section 302 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) against those who engaged in the act and also against those who incited it.”
Munde said, “Although the land where the police station building is being built was in possession of the state government since 1918, organisations like Raza Academy and Kabristan Committee were claiming ownership of the same.”
To that Patil retorted, “The government had asked these organisations to submit proof to substantiate their claim to the land within eight days, failing which construction work on the police station building would resume.”
Munde pointed out, “What happened in Bhiwandi was not a communal riot but a clash between fanatic forces and the police. No religion, not even Islam, teaches its followers to stone people to death. Abu Asim Azmi defied a police ban on organising a meeting in Bhiwandi and addressed a meeting at the Bhiwandi guesthouse.”
“After Kashmir, Maharashtra has become a hotbed of terrorist activities as is seen from several recent incidents of arrest of terrorists and seizure of arms and ammunition from various parts of the state,” he added.
Leader of Opposition Ramdas Kadam alleged that Samajwadi Party leader Azmi was responsible for instigating locals in Bhiwandi. “Wherever Azmi goes, he incites riots. Government should apply provisions of MCOCA against Azmi,” Kadam demanded.
Patil said, “If Azmi’s involvement in the matter is established, necessary action will be taken against him.”
Meanwhile, the state government ordered a high-level probe into the ownership of disputed plot in this power-loom town which witnessed the death of two persons in yesterday’s police firing and the subsequent murder of two policemen by a violent crowd in retaliation as tension prevailed and curfew remained in force.
A committee comprising the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and Secretary (Revenue) was yesterday formed by Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to probe into the ownership of the disputed plot. Until then, the government has stayed further construction of two police stations on the disputed plot.
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, Bombay - India
