Tension in Saharanpur after murder of Bhim Army leader’s brother

The situation in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh is tense after the murder of Bhim Army district president Kamal Walia’s brother, Sachin Walia (28). While the Walia’s family blames the Rajputs, who were celebrating Maharana Pratap Jayanti close to the place where Walia was murdered, the police have denied any involvement of the community. Following the murder, Bhim Army supporters had forcibly taken away the body but were persuaded to return it for post-mortem. Heavy police force has been deployed across the district, and internet services have been shut down.

Around 800 police officials were deployed and 200 people were given conditional permission to celebrate Maharana Pratap Jayanti, while the Bhim Army had warned against giving permission for the event.

The murder took place only a 100 steps away from the Maharana Pratap Bhawan, where the celebration was being held. Situated on Malhipur Road, the bhawan, which comes under the Kotawali rural area, was almost set on fire on May 9, last year, allegedly by the Bhim Army who were demanding justice for the Dalits of Shabbirpur. The police is looking into the complaint of Rajputs allegedly displaying weapons during the ceremony. The murder of Sachin Walia has enraged the Bhim Army members, who are reported to have mishandled some journalists.

Sachin, who suffered gunshot injuries, was immediately taken to the district hospital where he was declared dead. Kamal Walia, along with supporters, caused a ruckus in front of the hospital. They alleged that the celebrations on Maharana Pratap Jayanti were carried out in spite of the administration being warned against it. Kamal Walia stated that his brother was murdered when he went out to get breakfast.

According to the Divisional Commissioner, Chandra Prakash Tripathi, the police are investigating as to how and where the murder took place. Several people have been detained by police.