The Chhattisgarh government suspended 10 policemen on Monday, a day after several girls and boys were attacked by activists of Hindu right-wing group Dharma Sena, oposed to Friendship Day celebrations in Raipur. Five people have been arrested.
The decision was announced by the BJP government in the Assembly amid an opposition protest over the issue. “As many as 10 policemen were suspended and five people were arrested on Monday and the government would make more arrests soon,” Home Minister Nankiram Kanwar told the House.
Congress members raised slogans during Zero Hour displaying photographs that appeared in local newspapers in which youth reportedly from the Dharma Sena were seen attacking girls and boys in Raipur’s gardens and hotels.
The Congress alleged the attacks were orchestrated by the BJP, prompting the Home Minister to announce the suspension of the policemen. Congress legislators walked out of the Assembly saying the attacks insulted girls in the presence of policemen. Leader of Opposition Ravindra Choubey said faces of young boys and girls were blackened by the attackers who assaulted them in public.
Chief Minister Raman Singh, who was present in the House, remained silent when the Opposition raised allegations against his government.
