Cops protecting sand mafia: Cong

: Barmer MP and Congress national secretary Harish Choudhary on Wednesday alleged that illegal sand mining was going on in the district with patronage from police. He also alleged that anti-social elements are carrying out illegal activates at some toll booths under police protection.

Addressing a press conference, Choudhary said that for the first time, he is witnessing such a sorry state of law and order.

He alleged that the police department has enough staff to provide security to anti-social elements carrying out illegal trade at some toll booths but do not have staff to control law and order situation during April 2 Bharat Bandh.

He alleged that criminal activities during the Bharat Bandh were due to the negligence of district and police administration.

Choudhary said that under BJP regime, farmers are not getting adequate price of their production.

He said that during the general election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that his government will give 50 percent extra price to farmers on the MSP rates. Citing examples, he said that the BJP government had fixed ₹2,089 as MSP rate of Jwar while it is giving only ₹1,700.

He said that instead benefitting farmers, this government is giving undue benefit to the corporate under Fasal Bima Yojna (Crop Insurance Scheme). He said that last year, companies have charged ₹16,000 crore from the farmers while repaying them ₹ 7,000 crore only.

BARMER