Senior Congress leaders in Rajasthan have launched a scathing attack on the state's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government following a fatal accident involving a sand dumper in the Khari River area of Kekri. The Leader of the Opposition, Tikaram Jully, expressed deep anguish over the incident on Wednesday, terming it an "open murder" protected by the state administration.
Allegations of Government-Mafia Collusion
While offering condolences to the family of the deceased, Jully directly accused the BJP government of colluding with the notorious sand mafia. He raised serious questions about the conduct of local BJP MLA, Shatrughan Gautam, and other officials allegedly involved in facilitating illegal mining operations in the region.
Jully demanded immediate intervention from Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. He called for strict legal action against the mafia elements responsible for the Khari River tragedy. Furthermore, he insisted on a probe into the role of public representatives who are accused of threatening police officers and providing protection to illegal miners, demanding their punishment.
Pressure on Police and Suspension of Honest Officer
In a shocking revelation, Jully highlighted the case of ASI Rajesh Meena, posted at the Kekri Sadar police station. He claimed the officer was facing immense pressure and open threats from the local BJP MLA and influential officials for doing his duty. "It is extremely shameful that, under BJP rule, policemen working honestly are being intimidated, while the mafia is given free rein to unleash death on the roads," Jully stated.
Echoing these allegations, Rajasthan PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra cited a separate incident in Ajmer district. He alleged that ASI Rajesh Meena was brutally beaten when he tried to stop illegal mining activities. Instead of taking action against the culprits, Dotasra claimed, the police department suspended Meena. He labeled the suspension a "reward" for the officer's attempt to act against mining operations running under BJP leaders' protection. "This is not just an attack on one policeman, it is a direct attack on the rule of law," Dotasra asserted.
Law and Order Breakdown and a Stern Warning
Attacking the law-and-order situation in Rajasthan, Jully said the sand mafia has become completely uncontrolled under the current government. "Overloaded dumpers are running on roads like harbingers of death," he remarked. He alleged that the BJP government is not a mute spectator but an active "partner" and "protector" in this illegal business.
The Congress leader issued a stern warning, stating that if the government fails to rein in the mafia and their protectors, the party will hold the administration accountable in the upcoming Assembly session. He demanded that effective curbs be imposed immediately on illegal mining and overloading of vehicles across the state.
