BackThangadh Dalit killings: Gujarat CM orders setting up of SIT
In September 2012, three Dalit youths were killed in police firing during a clash between members of Dalit and OBC Bharwad communities in Thangadh
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Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government has decided to form a special investigation team (SIT) for an investigation into the death of three Dalit youths, who were killed in a firing incident at Thangadh in Surendranagar district in September 2012.
According to an official press statement by the Gujarat government, chief minister Vijay Rupani, decided to form a SIT after receiving representations from Dalit leaders.
“The chief minister took the decision following representations from Dalit leaders including state cabinet minister Atmarambhai Parmar, former minister Ramanbhai Vora and Rajya Sabha MP Shambhu Prasad Tundiya," said the release quoting minister of state for home Pradipsinh Jadeja.
The chief minister has ordered to set up a special designated court for Thangadh incident, according to Jadeja. A special prosecutor will also be appointed to run the court.
Also read: Dalits give 30-day ultimatum to Gujarat BJP, threaten to block rail routes
Besides, the relief granted earlier to the families of each deceased victim of Thangadh, an additional assistance worth ₹ 2 lakh will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
In September 2012, three Dalit youths were killed when police opened fire to disperse a violent mob in an attempt to control a clash between members of Dalit and OBC Bharwad communities in Thangadh.
The government had earlier ordered a probe into the incident and a report was submitted to it by the then principal secretary of social justice and empowerment department, Sanjay Prasad. The report has not yet been made public.
The issue of Thangadh Police firing came in to focus after the Una incident in July where four Dalit youths were brutally beaten over skinning a dead cow by self-styled cow protectors.
The move to form an SIT comes soon after a protest march was held by Una Dalit Atyachar Padkar Samiti froDalits give 30-day ultimatum to Gujarat BJP, threaten to block rail routesm 5-15 August, covering a distance of 350km from Ahmedabad to Una.
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