BJP MP terms Dadri lynching a ‘small incident’, kicks up row

"As far as a small incident like Dadri is concerned, our country’s democratic atmosphere is fully competent to handle it," he said.

BJP MP Satyapal Singh today kicked up a row with his remarks calling Dadri lynching a “small incident”, evoking strong reactions from Opposition parties, which said it was a reflection of the party’s “polarisation” strategy.

“As far as a small incident like Dadri is concerned, our country’s democratic atmosphere is fully competent to handle.(sic) Our country is full competent to handle such incidents,” Singh told CNN-IBN.

The BJP MP from Baghpat also said Government needs to take a view on the plight of Muslims as well as followers of other religion.

Reacting sharply to Singh’s comments on Dadri, Congress spokesperson Ajoy Kumar said it is a reflection of what the BJP was trying to do.

“I am absolutely dismayed at the remarks of the BJP MP, who was also a former Police Commissioner of Mumbai,” he said, alleging that such remarks reflect the “strategy” of BJP to “usurp” power by “polarising” communities.

SP leader Rajiv Rai demanded an apology from the BJP and alleged that it was aiming at “communal polarisation”, which would be seen more as Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled in 2017 comes closer.

He wondered if Dadri was a minor incident, what else would be a big incident. “They should apologise. I am disgusted that this statement comes from an MP, who was a former police commissioner.”

50-year-old Akhlaq was dragged out of his home by a 200-strong mob and beaten to death after a public announcement from the local temple said that the family had slaughtered a calf and eaten its meat in Uttar Pradesh’s Bishada village in Dadri.

The Uttar Pradesh government has submitted a report to the Centre on the issue.

Concerned over communal incidents in Dadri and other places, the Centre had last week asked all States to take strictest action against those who attempt to weaken the secular fabric by exploiting religious emotions.

The incident has triggered a nationwide outrage with a number of eminent authors deciding to return their awards.

The Dadri lynching

• » In Dadri's Bishara village on September 28, a 50-year-old Mohammad Akhlaq was lynched and his son Danish (22) was brutally beaten up as punishment for allegedly eating beef on Eid and 'storing it' for later consumption.
• » A riot-like situation gripped the sleepy village, a little over 40 km from the bustling sub-city of Noida, near Delhi, on September 29, when their relatives were barred from participating in the funeral procession.
• » It was mutton, said the slain man's mother Asgari Begum.
• » The Uttar Pradesh government on September 30 ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and also announced a compensation of Rs.10 lakh for the family of the victim.
• »Editorial:>No thought for food
• »> Despite prohibitory orders, Dadri gets high-profile visitors

• >

  Dadri temple priest detained; Centre seeks report from U.P.

  The Centre has also sent an advisory to the State to keep a check on incidents of communal violence.

• >

  UP launches probe into killing over beef

  As the rumour spread, villagers blocked a highway in Bisrakh area on September 29, demanding death penalty for those involved in the slaughter.

• >

  Union Minister Mahesh Sharma terms Dadri killing as 'accident'

  He said that no "communal colour" should be given to it, even as the family of the victim is planning to move out of the village fearing that it may happen again.

• >

  AAP sought removal of Mahesh Sharma, Kejriwal was stopped from entering Dadri village on October 03

  The party demanded removal of Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma for his remarks.