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Bhopal: Admin reluctant to act against VHP activists who wielded swords

The Bhopal district administration has developed cold feet in the face of the Opposition and Civil Society members’ demand to take action against VHP activists who brandished swords during a procession in Bhopal on December 6 to mark Shourya Diwas.

Updated on: Dec 10, 2015, 19:43:13 IST
By , Bhopal
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The Bhopal district administration has developed cold feet in the face of the Opposition and Civil Society members’ demand to take action against VHP activists who brandished swords during a procession in Bhopal on December 6 to mark Shourya Diwas.

VHP workers brandish swords during a meeting held by Praveen Togadia to mark ‘Shourya Diwas’ in Bhopal on Sunday. (HT file)
VHP workers brandish swords during a meeting held by Praveen Togadia to mark ‘Shourya Diwas’ in Bhopal on Sunday. (HT file)

Despite the fact that the saffron brigade observe the day as Shourya Diwas to mark the anniversary of disputed shrine demolition at Ayodhya in 1992, the district administration approved the permission to perform puja of as many as 150 swords.

As per official sources, the administrative officials forgot the fact that as per Hindu rituals, Dussehra is the occasion when ‘shastra puja’ is performed and not December 6.

Sources further said that none of the authorities checked the fact as to from where these 150 swords had surfaced and later disappeared.

On Tuesday, Congress MLA from Bhopal Arif Aqueel had raised the issue in the state assembly and accused the government for being soft towards those who wished to disturb peace in society.

Bhopal collector Nishant Warwade was not available for his comments. However, ADM Bhopal BS Jamod said the permission was granted on the recommendations of the police. SP (North), Bhopal Arvind Saxena said there was no aggressive stance or provocation or aberration during the procession. It was absolutely peaceful. The permission for event was granted as per social customs.

  • Ranjan
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Ranjan

    Ranjan Srivastava leads HT’s coverage from Bhopal. He has spent more than two decades in journalism in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, covering political and other affairs. For the past 16 years, he has been working in Madhya Pradesh.Read More