Bhim Army seeks security for Chandrashekhar

MEERUT : The Bhim Army has demanded security for its chief Chandrashekhar in the wake of a large number of people visiting his house to meet him after his release from jail on September 14.

Bhim Army Saharanpur district president Kamal Walia said that supporters and volunteers were facing a tough time managing the crowd of visitors at Chandrashekhar’s house in Chutmalpur. So his safety was a cause of concern.

“A delegation of Bhim Army has demanded that the administration provide adequate security to Chandrashekhar,” said Walia, explaining that they sought a posse of security men around him as his popularity was growing.

However, the bitter rivalry between dalits and Rajputs in Saharanpur district is also a factor behind the demand, as Chandrashekhar has planned a tour to strengthen his outfit.

Senior superintendent of police (SSP), Saharanpur U K Aggarwal admitted that a request for Chandrashekhar’s security was made when he had a conversation with some Bhim Army office-bearers on phone but said he had not received any application in writing.

“Let the demand come in writing and we will take cognisance under the purview of law,” he said.

To note, Kamal Walia’s younger brother was shot dead under mysterious conditions a few months ago and officials have provided two security men to the family. Kamal has also demanded that they be deputed on a permanent basis. He said that the SSP had assured him for the same.

Dalits and Rajputs are not on good terms in Saharanpur district after clashes between the two communities on May 5 last year over taking out procession of Rajput King Maharana Pratap in village Shabbirpur.

A Rajput youth died in the clashes and in retaliation Rajputs torched over 50 dalit dwellings in the village.

Bhim Army and its chief Chandrashekhar emerged as the voice of dalits after accusing the administration of siding with Rajputs in taking action against the perpetrators of violence and Army supporters clashed with police when officials denied permission to hold a panchayat of dalits to raise the issue.

Political and social leaders visited the village in a bid to restore brotherhood and harmony among the two communities but bitterness still exists. So the Bhim Army has now demanded security cover for Chandrashekhar ahead of his plan of going on tour to strengthen his outfit.