By Sumedha Pal / The Wire
New Delhi: On April 14, to mark the 131st Ambedkar Jayanti, Ambedkarites across the Bargarh region of Odisha participated in a bike rally. The rally, organised by the Bhim Army, comprised largely small-scale labourers and farmers.
The procession, however, was attacked, allegedly by Bajrang Dal members, leading to violence and injuries. Four members who were a part of the procession were injured and 25 vehicles were damaged.
No arrests have been made in the case so far, despite the responsible Bajrang Dal workers reportedly having been recognised. Speaking to The Wire, Madhusudan, the advocate overseeing the case on behalf of the All India Lawyer’s Association for Justice, said, “No arrests have been made in the case so far, despite the fact that names of the members who disrupted the rally are clear. Moreover, the police is stating that the Ambedkarites should compromise and accept compensation; however, we are continuing our fight for justice.”
Members of the Bajrang Dal allegedly disrupted the bike rally organised by the Bhim Army and other Ambedkarite groups on April 14. At 3 pm, according to Madhusudan, about 45 members of the Dal attacked the rally with sticks, brandishing swords and attacking members with knives. Madhusudan alleged, “They tore down Babasaheb’s posters and also urinated on them.”
In videos accessed by The Wire, men with saffron scarves chanting “Jai Shree Ram” can be seen attacking the bikes, targeting the procession. Graphic visuals of injuries and vandalisation have also come to light.
Presently, two FIRs have been filed in the case. One is against those who took out the rally and the other is against members of the Bajrang Dal. In a letter accessed by The Wire, sub-inspector of police Jadab Bag elaborating on the FIR writes, “When a rally of Bhim Army was passing through Godbhaga Chowk we noticed the unlawful assembly of 40-50 Bajrang Dal members with swords and sticks. It was led by Prashanta Bhoi.” He also names Dal members P. Srihari, Prem Raj Chhanda and Manas Besan, among others. The Dalit members of the procession named in the FIR include Bablu Beshra, Shankar Nag, Tinku Ugar and others.
Police at the site of the violence. Photo: Special arrangement
Both the FIRs invoke Sections 147,148, 341, 294, 336, 427, 353 and 149 of the IPC, amounting to rioting hindering the work of public servants, intent to cause harm and unlawful assembly. The FIR against members of the Bajrang Dal also mentions Section 25, on the illegal possession of arms.
One of the injured members of the bike rally, Sanjay Kumar, stated, “The police a day prior to the rally had stated that the Bajrang Dal rally will take place post the rally of the Ambedkarites. However, members of the Bajrang Dal disrupted the rally. It can be clearly seen how Dalits were targeted and their bikes broken.”
Members of the Ambedkarite group allege that the police knew that the Bajrang Dal members were planning on carrying out a counter rally. They state, “Right at the end, when crowds were dispersing, ten-twelve people were attacked with knives and empty glass bottles.”
Speaking to The Wire, Bablu Beshara said, “This was a pre-planned attack. We have not been given any justice, instead we have been slapped with such serious charges. Despite assuring us of compensation, the police are now pushing us towards a compromise. They want to suppress the movement and silence our voices.”
Several attempts were made to seek a response from the SP Bargarh, but all calls were unanswered. This article will be updated when a response is received.
This article first appeared on thewire.in