The matter can't be investigated by the cops, who themselves are accused of damaging the property and beating up people, says Mevani
Vadgam MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani on Saturday sought the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged police atrocity in Chharanagar on Friday.
Mevani had gone to meet the victims after a Friday raid by the police on alleged liquor dens in the area turned violent. While the cops have accused the residents of pelting stones at them, the residents have alleged that the police went on a rampage damaging cars and bikes and hitting women and children. DNA photographer, who went there to photograph the incident was among those who were beaten up by the police.
"An SIT should be formed. The matter can't be investigated by the cops, who themselves are accused of damaging the property and beating up people," said Mevani.
He said videos of the incident show cops dragging an elderly lady. "Where are the videos and evidence if the people attacked the cops?" questioned Mevani.
He said it seemed strange that when a 'Janta raid' was carried out on liquor dens by me, Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thakor, a case of trespassing was slapped against us although we never entered anyone's house. "Now we have clear evidence of cops entering the house of residents but no one is breathing a word about having them booked," he said.
"Mevani, who was here, said that it was a long fight, and if need be we will approach the court. During the Una incident, four people were attacked, and today an entire community was attacked by the police," said Dakxin Chhara, a community leader and activist.
He said they will soon be approaching the city police commissioner to request an SIT formation. "If needed we will approach the court too," said Chhara.
"We will demand a formation of SIT to go into the matter. We have proposed a team made of one member from the cops and two from our community. We have also written to the NHRC in the matter," sadi Chhara.
He said that it was strange that Mewani would visit the victims but the MLA of the area washed his hands of the incident.
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