Last Updated on 18/08/2024 by wccexam Desk
Congress MLA Devendra Yadav was arrested on Saturday in connection with the violence that took place on June 10 during the agitation of the Satnami community in Chhattisgarh’s Balodabazar town. Balodabazar Superintendent of Police Vijay Agarwal said that Yadav was arrested from his residence in Durg district. After the news of the police action spread, many supporters of Yadav gathered outside his residence in Bhilai Nagar area of Durg and raised slogans. Yadav, an influential young face of the party, is a second-time MLA from Bhilai Nagar constituency. Regarding the arrest, Yadav has accused the BJP government of implicating Congress workers.
Aggarwal said that Yadav has been arrested in connection with the case registered in Kotwali police station in the Balodabazar arson incident. A case has been registered against him under sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 147 (punishment for rioting), 186 (obstructing a public servant in discharge of his duties), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duties), 307 (attempt to murder) and other sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
Aggarwal said that Yadav was produced in the local court. From where he has been sent to judicial custody till August 20. According to sources, the police had called Yadav at least three times to record his statement, but he did not cooperate. After which he was arrested. Policemen from Balodabazar along with policemen from Durg reached Yadav’s house at around seven in the morning. As soon as the news spread, Yadav’s supporters tried to save the MLA and raised slogans.
An official said that the police finally managed to take Yadav away at around 5 pm. On the night of 15 and 16 May this year, the holy symbol ‘Jaitakham’ or ‘Vijay Stambh’ worshipped by the Satnami community near Amar Gufa in Girodpuri Dham was vandalised by unidentified persons. After which protests started in June.
On June 10, a mob set a government office and over 150 vehicles on fire during a protest called by the Satnamis against the alleged vandalism of the ‘Vijay Stambh’ in Balodabazar town. Congress leaders, including Yadav, had reportedly attended a public meeting during the protest organised by the Satnamis at Dussehra Maidan.
About 150 people, including members of the National Student Union of India (NSUI) and the Bhim “Regiment”, were arrested in connection with the June 10 arson. Let us tell you that the influential Satnami community, founded by medieval social reformer Baba Guru Ghasidas, represents the largest Scheduled Caste group in Chhattisgarh.
Targeting the ruling BJP, Yadav said that he is not afraid of the government and will continue his fight for the people. He said in Bhilai that the state government is trying to implicate Congress workers in the Balodabazar arson case. The government took action against me for raising voice for the youth and innocent people of the Satnami community. I am not afraid of the government and will fight the legal battle. Yadav claimed that he had earlier also appeared before the Balodabazar police after being summoned.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel termed Yadav’s arrest as political vendetta and asked the police not to take action under political pressure. Baghel alleged that the role of the government and the police in the entire incident is suspicious. Despite the alleged role of former BJP MLA Sanam Jangde in the incident, no BJP member was questioned or arrested.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)