close_game
close_game

Criticised for garlanding lynching convicts, Jayant Sinha expresses regret

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByHT Correspondent
Jul 12, 2018 11:26 AM IST

Union minister Jayant Sinha said he regretted if people have perceived his actions as support for vigilantism.

Union minister Jayant Sinha on Wednesday expressed his “regret” after facing intense criticism for felicitating seven convicted cow vigilantes in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh last week.

Union minister Jayant Sinha with the lynching convicts at his residence after they were released on bail in Ramgarh, Jharkhand.(PTI File Photo)
Union minister Jayant Sinha with the lynching convicts at his residence after they were released on bail in Ramgarh, Jharkhand.(PTI File Photo)

“I have said many times that the matter is still sub judice. It won’t be fair to talk on this. Law will take its own course. We have always worked towards punishing the guilty and sparing the innocent,” Sinha was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

“If by garlanding them (Ramgarh lynching case convicts) an impression has gone out that I support such vigilantism then I express regret over it,” he added.

Sinha had last Thursday welcomed the seven cow vigilantes, convicted for lynching a Muslim meat trader in Ramgarh in June last year. The convicts went to Sinha’s residence to meet him after their release from jail.

The Hazaribagh MP on Saturday justified his action, stating that he was merely “honouring the due process of law” by doing so. He clarified his position saying that the high court has suspended the sentence of the accused and released them on bail while admitting their case. The case will once again be re-heard.

Yashwant Sinha, his father and former BJP leader, said he did not approve his son’s action.

rec-icon Recommended Topics
Share this article
Get Current Updates on India News, Weather Today, Latest News at Hindustan Times.
See More
Get Current Updates on India News, Weather Today, Latest News at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Monday, February 17, 2025
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On