Cong slams Bandikui mob lynching, demands impartial probe

Jaipur: Congress Friday condemned the alleged mob lynching of youth Dinesh Meena in Bandikui, demanding strict legal action against the accused.

Ramkesh Meena, Deputy Leader of Opposition and president, Rajasthan Adivasi Meena Seva Sangh, described it as “tragic and reprehensible.” In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, he sought an impartial investigation into the case, immediate arrest of all accused persons and justice for the victim’s family.

Referring to the incident, he said that Meena was allegedly tied up and brutally assaulted on suspicion of theft, leading to his death. “No one in a democratic and constitutional system has the right to take the law into their own hands. Such incidents are a threat to humanity and human rights,” he said.

He questioned the delayed response of the police, claiming that timely intervention by the administration could have saved the youth’s life, while demanding accountability of the police officials concerned.

He urged the govt to provide compensation and support to the deceased’s family and issue strict instructions to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the state.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot also criticised the BJP govt over the incident, terming it a sign of “growing anarchy and jungle raj” in Rajasthan. Gehlot said the mob lynching of Meena in Bandikui and the reported beating of another youth tied to a tree in Ajmer reflected the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

“When people start taking the law into their own hands and kill someone, it cannot be called the rule of law,” Gehlot said, while questioning the absence of police during the incident. He alleged that incidents of mob lynching, like those witnessed during the previous BJP govt, resurfaced due to the failure of the home department and police administration.

Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully expressed outrage, saying innocent citizens were paying with their lives due to the “administrative failure and helplessness” of the state govt. He alleged that criminals no longer fear the police, making common citizens feel unsafe.

Calling the Bandikui incident “a shame for humanity,” Jully said the victim was allegedly beaten by a mob for nearly one-and-a-half hours merely on suspicion of theft. He questioned why the police failed to reach the spot in time and asserted that prompt action could have prevented the death.