Congress stages massive protest against “deteriorating” law and order in Chhattisgarh, demands accountability
Raipur
Amidst Congress’s massive protest against the alleged deteriorating law and order situation in Chhattisgarh, the main opposition stated that it is high time to hold accountable those responsible for the crimes committed in the last six months under the BJP government in the state. Chhattisgarh Congress in-charge Sachin Pilot, addressing a gathering before the Vidhan Sabha gherao, criticized the state government, stating, “This government operates from Delhi, and people here are unaware of what will happen.”
Hundreds of Congress leaders and workers braved the rain to reach the Mandi Gate prior to the Vidhan Sabha gherao. On the stage were Chhattisgarh Congress Chief Deepak Baij, former Home Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu, former Minister Amarjeet Bhagat, and several former MLAs and ministers.
Addressing the workers, Congress Chhattisgarh In-charge Sachin Pilot said that this government has tried every possible way to stop this movement, but not a single Congress worker is afraid. “It’s time to hold this government accountable,” Pilot asserted.
Prior to Pilot, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel addressed the gathering, questioning when the collectorate was burned during their government, and why such incidents are happening today. He claimed that BJP goons are constantly provoking the station in-charge at police stations and that no police officer is working under the constitution and law today.
Baghel highlighted that those wearing white clothes in Baloda Bazar were beaten in front of their mothers and recounted an incident in Girodhpuri. He mentioned that a CBI investigation was demanded on the 17th, stating that if there had been an investigation, the incident would not have occurred.
“This is the first time such an incident has happened,” Baghel said. He questioned why the police were not interrogating the BJP members who were on stage during the incident. “Contractors and traders here are unable to work, drug addiction has increased, and addicts are beating tribal youth to death,” he added.
Baghel accused that these incidents are happening under the protection of ministers. He said that no one cares about the law, citing the cutting down of the Jaithkhanbh with no arrests made to date. “Women, tribals, industrialists, and traders are scared. This issue was raised in the zero hour of the assembly today. The issue will be discussed in the session, and the fight will take place both in the house and on the streets,” Baghel emphasized.
Leader of the Opposition Dr. Charan Das Mahant, in his address, pointed out that there have been 273 Naxalite incidents in 180 days in the last six months, resulting in the deaths of 79 security personnel. He stated that it is not Naxalites but villagers who are being killed. Mahant criticized the government, saying, “Chhattisgarh has become a crime city instead of a state. They intimidate and threaten.”
Mahant further mentioned that mob lynching is happening near Raipur. He highlighted that those appearing in photos with flowers for the Prime Minister and welcoming BJP ministers are not being arrested. “I called the police, who had evidence, and said to arrest them. It was very difficult, but they were arrested, so he will be released soon and get a quick leave,” Mahant said.
Concluding his address, Mahant reported that in the last six months, there have been 29 dacoity incidents, 562 murder incidents, 500 loot incidents, 500 material theft incidents, and 1500 rape incidents, with not a single person arrested so far. “We have raised a proposal in the house regarding this matter,” Mahant stated, urging for immediate action and accountability.
