india

Updated: Jun 11, 2017 23:19 IST

The state government has blamed Dalit outfit Bhim Army, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, BJP MP Raghav Lakhanpal as well as Muslim leaders associated with the SP and the Congress for the caste conflict and violence in Saharanapur.

In its report sent to the central government on the violence in Saharanpur, in which two persons were killed and over two dozen injured, the state government also blamed the laxity on part of district administration officers for the clash between upper caste and Dalits in Shabbirpur village and other areas.

A home department officer said the central government has sought a report over the month-long tension and violence in Saharanpur. The report was dispatched on Saturday; it blames Lakhanpal for taking out a procession to mark the birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ambedkar though the route was not approved by the district administration. Members of Muslim community objected to the procession that resulted in the clash between Muslims and Dalit community.

Later, Lakhanpal’s supporters vandalised the residence of the superintendent of police; the MP was also present.

In a separate incident on May 5, members of the Thakur community clashed with Dalits over a procession to mark the birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap. This route was not approved by the district administration as well. During probe, it was found that the SDM had given permission for the procession but he did not inform senior officers. One person was killed in the clash between the members of the Thakur and the Dalit communities in Shabbirpur village.

The report said Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar mobilised members of the Dalit community and instigated them to assemble in Gandhi park despite prohibitory orders. Later he organised a rally at Jantar Mantra in Delhi.

Violence again erupted on May 23 after the visit of BSP chief to Shabbirpur village. One person was killed in the clash.