Priyanka Gandhi Sonbhadra Visit LIVE: Face-off in Mirzapur as Cong Leader Refuses to Turn Back Without Meeting Families of Those Shot Dead
Priyanka Gandhi Sonbhadra Visit LIVE: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been stopped by authorities in UP’s Mirzapur while she was on her way to Sonbhadra, where Section 144 has been imposed, to meet the families of those killed in firing over a land dispute. The Congress leader sat on the road during a dharna with her supporters and was soon taken into preventive custody. Refusing to back down, Gandhi told reporters that she didn’t know where she was being taken but would cooperate. While UP police chief OP Singh says Gandhi had only been stopped and not detained, her brother and outgoing Congress chief Rahul Gandhi termed it “illegal arrest”.
Ten people were killed and 28 injured on Wednesday when they resisted an attempt by the village headman and his supporters to take possession of 90 bighas of disputed land in Sonbhadra district’s Ghorawal area. A total of 29 people have been arrested so far and the village head Yagdutt, his brother and others were charged under the SC/ST Act on the plea of a local named Lallu Singh.
Commenting on Priyanka Gandhi’s detention, Congress leader Sushmita Deb told CNN-News18, “Priyanka Gandhi is clearly saying that she will not violate Section 144. She is clear that she wants to meet families to show solidarity. Why is she not being allowed? The CM should rather facilitate her visit rather than confront her.”
Promising justice to those killed in the Sonbhadra clash, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth on Friday said the sub divisional magistrate and four other officials were suspended and 29 people arrested. A committee under the additional chief secretary (Revenue) has also been constituted and will give its report within 10 days, the chief minister said.
“Despite dispute between the two factions in the past and apprehensions of breach of peace adequate action was not taken by officers. SDM, Circle officer and Inspector — all posted in Ghorawal have been suspended on basis of the probe committee, constituted on July 17, report. Beat sub-inspector and constable have also been suspended,” the CM said while making a statement in the state assembly.
About the incident, the CM said that 29 people, including main accused Yagya Dutt, have been arrested. Ten persons were killed and 28 injured in the incident, he added.
Yogi said the land dispute, which led to the clash was old and was there since 1955 and there were a number of cases pending in revenue courts and criminal cases filed by both factions.
“A three member committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) has been constituted to give its report within 10 days on the land dispute. It will take note of the dispute by going through revenue records and give its recommendations,” the CM said.
Additional Director General (Varanasi Zone) has also been asked to probe cases registered between two sides in Sonebhadra before July 17, the CM said.
“Responsibility will be fixed and justice will be given to the victims. Those involved in the act will not be spared,” the CM said.
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