Union Minister Giriraj Singh meets family of Nawada communal clashes accused

A day after visiting Nawada riots accused in the district jail, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Sunday paid a visit to the family of a man accused in the clashes that took places earlier this year.

In March, tension had gripped Bihar after communal clashes hit several parts of the state including Bhagalpur, Aurangabad and Nawada following vandalisation of an idol.

After meeting the family, Singh said the accused have always remained calm at the time of crises in the region. He also urged the administration to conduct a thorough investigation in the matter.

Bihar:Union Min Giriraj Singh met family of an accused of clashes b/w 2 communities in Nawada over an idol being vandalised in March this yr,says 'They've always helped maintain peace in all situations. How can you call them rioters?Admn should see if they really incited violence pic.twitter.com/ud9hBTGkKN

— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2018

"They have always helped in maintaining peace in all situations. How can you call them rioters? The administration should see if they really incited violence," said the Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSME. 

On Saturday, Singh met Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists, who are currently lodged in Nawada jail over rioting charges. He also accused the state government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of having a mindset of suppressing Hindus for communal harmony.

"It is very saddening to see that the government feels that communal harmony will be there only if they suppress Hindus. I request the State government and the society to let go of this kind of attitude," said Singh.

On July 3, Bajrang Dal convenor Jitendra Pratap was arrested for the riots in 2017. On July 4, the supporters of Pratap protested against the arrest and took to the streets, which led to the arrest of five people. 

(With ANI inputs)