Ghazala Ahmad | Clarion India
JAIPUR – Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday visited Ghatmika village to meet the family members of Junaid and Nasir when the demand to arrest the culprits involved in the killing, got escalated.
The two Muslim men were allegedly abducted and killed by the cow vigilante groups of Haryana on February 16. Later, their charred dead bodies along with the burnt Bolero car they were travelling in were found.
Gehlot met the family members of the deceased in their village amid heavy the deployment of police force. The entire village was barricaded and villagers were not allowed to meet him. Ahead of his visit, the roads were cleared and a tent was set up in an empty field near Nasir’s house where Gehlot’s helicopter landed and he met only a few family members and some elderly people of the village.
Speaking to Clarion India, a resident said they were forced to stay inside their homes. “Was he here to attend the wedding function? Why was so much protocol and police protection here? What threat we pose? We are ourselves victims of venomous hate”, he said.
He asked, “We only demand justice for those who have lost their lives and that it should not be repeated”.
An announcement of compensation worth ₹5 lakhs each for the wives and children of the victims was made by Gehlot. Out of 5 lakh, 4 lakhs will be given as a fixed deposit and ₹1 lakh cash to help the children for their future prospects, education and marriage.
Junaid was survived by six children while Nasir’s wife has one adopted child.
Gehlot assured families of the fair probe and strict action. But the villagers are not satisfied with his assurance.
Mohammad Yousuf Nadvi, Junaid’s relative said, “It’s been more than 15 days now, everything is evident but the perpetrators are not being arrested.”
“compensation is fine to help the children but what about justice? Will they get justice with this money? The two young men will never come back,” he lamented.
“Only justice can be the best compensation to the bereaved souls, which will happen only when the perpetrators will be arrested and sentenced to jail.”
Soon after meeting the families, the Rajasthan CM blames inaction on the part of Haryana CM.
While speaking to the reporters, he said, “I had spoken with Haryana Chief Minister, who assured me a speedy action in the case but even after so many days the perpetrators are not being caught,”
He also urged the Haryana Chief Minister to take the case seriously. Gehlot also pointed out that democracy and the Constitution are in danger.
The family members and villagers demand government jobs and the arrest of Monu Manesar, a Bajrang Dal who is an accused in the killing.
Speaking to Clarion India, Junaid’s father-in-law said, “We want the arrest of Monu Manesar. My daughter is a widow today, she was left all alone because of Monu Manesar and his gang, they should be arrested”.
On Thursday, three social activists from the village along with a journalist Wasim Akram were detained ahead of CM’s visit and said to be released by Friday morning. On the other hand, the internet service in the area remained suspended on the fourth consecutive day.
An announcement was also made by the residents to organize a “mahapanchayat” if Gehlot’s visit does not yield any positive results.
