Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that 'caste-based' encounters are taking place in Uttar Pradesh. The former chief minister made the statement on Tuesday, claiming that 'fake encounters' have become the 'biggest issue' in the state today, but the government is unwilling to discuss it.
Allegations of Caste Bias
Speaking to reporters, Yadav said, 'Encounters are happening on a caste basis in Uttar Pradesh. This is a serious matter that the government is trying to hide.' He further accused the state administration of targeting specific communities under the guise of police action. The SP leader demanded a thorough investigation into all encounter cases and called for transparency in police procedures.
Government's Response
The Uttar Pradesh government has denied the allegations, stating that all encounters are conducted as per law and only against criminals. A government spokesperson said, 'There is no caste bias in police actions. The state is committed to maintaining law and order without discrimination.' However, opposition parties have supported Yadav's claims, citing several recent encounter cases where the deceased belonged to particular castes.
Political Reactions
The issue has sparked a political debate, with the Congress and other opposition parties demanding a judicial inquiry into encounter deaths. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati also criticized the state government, calling for a stop to what she termed 'extrajudicial killings'. Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
Call for Action
Akhilesh Yadav urged the central government to intervene and ensure that encounters are not used as a tool for social discrimination. He also appealed to the media to highlight the issue and bring justice to the victims' families. 'We will continue to raise this matter in the assembly and on the streets until the government takes action,' he added.
The Samajwadi Party has announced plans to hold protests across the state to demand an end to what they describe as 'caste-based encounters'. The party is also considering legal action to seek accountability from the state government.
