Now, HYV to check entry of anti-social elements in its fold; screen applicants
LUCKNOW: Drawing flak over vigilantis m, the Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) has decided to check the entry of anti-social elements in its cadres. People moving with saffron gamchhas (scarves) and extorting money will be also on the radar of the right-wing group.
“Anti-social elements are trying to malign the image of the HYV. The media has highlighted reports of people claiming to be members of the HYV and indulging in vigilantism,” said Hindu Yuva Vahini state general secretary PK Mall at a press conference on Monday.
A group claiming to be members of the HYV beat up a couple in Meerut last week. A probe revealed the incident was the handiwork of local goons, Mall said, adding a case was registered against the culprits and they were sent to jail.
In a separate instance, people with saffron gamchhas were seen extorting money from trucks on the Lucknow-Gorakhpur highway. An FIR was registered against anti- social elements and they were nabbed by the police, said Mall.
An SUV with HYV sticker ran over a youth riding a motorcycle in Noida, he said. An FIR was registered against the accused and he was taken into custody, the Hindu Yuva Vahini member said.
Several self-styled leaders have put up hoardings and banners across the state, claiming to be the office bearers of the HYV. They were indulging in immoral acts and the HYV was being blamed for these, he said.
He conceded that after the BJP won the Uttar Pradesh assembly election, there was a sudden surge in people aspiring to join the HYV.
“We have decided to screen the applicants before letting them in. The aspirants have been told to fill in a form and submit photo copies of voter identity card and Aadhar card. We have decided not to open HYV branches in other states,” he said.
The HYV has been reconstituted. Raghvendra Pratap Singh has been made state in-charge, Dr Rakesh Rai the working state president and PK Mall the state general secretary.
For its part, the HYV has decided to launch a drive against untouchability to bring dalits and extremely backward castes into the mainstream of the society. The Vahini members will participate in community feasts in the rural and urban areas. The HYV cadre has been told to assist the people from weaker section in getting their FIRs lodged in the police stations. “We also monitor the investigation of the case and action taken against the culprits,” he said.
The HYV will also assist the state government in raising awareness of welfare schemes launched by the state government.
“We will also monitor the implementation of the welfare schemes and launch of projects in districts. If any irregularities are detected we will inform the authorities,” he said.