In a major move in the Gwalior Ambedkar controversy, police have arrested the complainant, Dalit leader Makarand Maurya, in an old case. Meanwhile, Congress protested at the Collectorate demanding strict action against the removal of the Gandhi-Ambedkar exhibition.
The ongoing Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar controversy in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, has taken a new turn. While Advocate Anil Mishra, a leader of the upper castes and the Rakshak Morcha and former president of the High Court Bar Association, has been in jail for the past three days for raising objectionable slogans against Ambedkar and burning his portrait, the police have now arrested the complainant, Dalit leader Makarand Maurya.
It is reported that three days ago, Advocate Anil Mishra had gone to the IG’s office to submit a memorandum. It is alleged that he subsequently protested outside the SP’s office without permission, raising slogans against Ambedkar, and burning his portrait. Upon learning of the incident, a large number of Dalits gathered at the Superintendent of Police’s office and demanded that a case be registered against the accused and they be imprisoned under the NSA.
On the application of Dalit leader Makarand Maurya, the police registered a case against seven people, including Anil Mishra. Subsequently, the police arrested four of them while they were on their way to Morena. The next day, all the accused were produced before the JMFC court, where the court refused to grant bail and sent them to jail. Anil Mishra was later hospitalized for medical reasons, while the other three accused remain in jail.
Meanwhile, Anil Mishra filed a petition in the High Court’s double bench, calling the case unfair and questioning the police action. Despite Saturday and Sunday being holidays, the hearing in the Gwalior High Court division bench failed, but the accused received no relief.
During the hearing, Mishra’s lawyer argued that a case had already been registered against the complainant, Makarand Maurya, and an arrest warrant had been issued by the court. Despite this, the police did not arrest him. Meanwhile, the lawyer representing the Dalit community argued that the court cannot make a decision without hearing the complainant.
The High Court issued notices to all concerned parties, including the complainant, Makarand Maurya, and set a hearing date for Monday. Just hours after the notice was issued, the police executed a warrant previously issued by the court and arrested Bhim Army leader and main complainant, Makarand Maurya. All eyes are now on the High Court hearing scheduled for Monday.
Congress Protests Against the Removal of the Gandhi-Ambedkar Exhibition from the Fair
Meanwhile, tension prevails in the city following the removal and vandalism of exhibitions depicting great men and freedom fighters, including Gandhi and Ambedkar, at the Gwalior Trade Fair. Calling it an insult to the Constitution and great men, the Congress protested at the District Collectorate and submitted a memorandum demanding strict action against the culprits.
Congress leaders allege that this entire incident occurred at the behest of the BJP government. Congress says that since the BJP came to power, attempts have been made to weaken the Constitution. Congress has demanded that a case be filed not only under the NSA but also under sedition charges in this matter.
Written by: Dev Shrimali, Edited by: Vishwanath Saini
Courtesy: Hindi News