In the wake of nationwide bandh against dilution of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Protection Act, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has appealed all political parties and groups to maintain peace
Nine people were killed on Monday in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan as dalit outfits turned violent in several parts of the country due to outrage over a Supreme Court ruling on atrocities against dalits. Jet Airways waives off the penalties for date or flight change on all confirmed tickets amid the violent protests across the nation.
"We are closely monitoring the situation in the wake of Bharat bandh protests," a spokesperson of Home Ministry said.
In an official statement, DIG, Law & Order, Uttar Pradesh said, "There'll be an inquiry on people spreading rumors on Social Media. Detained 448 people for legal action."
The government on Monday filed a review petition on the Supreme Court judgment on the SC/ST Act. However, Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing on a plea which sought a stay and review of its recent verdict on SC/ST Act.
In response to the ongoing nationwide protest called by several Dalit organisations, BSP Chief Mayawati said, "Anti-social elements were sent to cause violence during the protests resulting in death of some people and damage to public property"
"One can understand if people protest, but why is Opposition (Congress) playing politics? Parties like Congress who did not give Bharat Ratna to BR Ambedkar, and are now acting like his followers," said Ramvilas Paswan.
Visuals from Bharat Bandh protests in Gwalior showed shots being fired during the protests, news agency ANI reported.
Nineteen people were on Monday injured in Gwalior. Of them, two were said to be in a critical condition, news agency ANI reported. Further, internet service has been blocked in Gwalior district till 6:00 am tomorrow.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh appealed to all political parties and groups to maintain peace and shun violence. Informing that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court for reconsidering the verdict on the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) Protection Act, he urged the protesters on Monday to refrain from imposing blockades and committing violent acts.
On March 20, the apex court, in a bid to check misuse of the SC/ST Act, ruled that a government official cannot be prosecuted on a mere allegation of committing an offence under the Act without the sanction of the appointing authority. It also ruled that a preliminary enquiry in a case under the Atrocities Act would be done by the Deputy Superintendent of Police to ensure the allegations are not frivolous, and to avoid the false implication of an innocent.
The Bharat bandh has already brought Punjab to a standstill, as CBSE has postponed the board exams scheduled for April 2, and transport services have been suspended. The Centre is likely to tell the apex court that dilution of the Act will render it ineffective and prevent the dispensing of justice to the marginalised Dalit and tribal communities. All schools from class 1 to class 12, except those conducting board examinations to remain shut on Tuesday in Agra due to the violent protest in the city.
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