Dalit activist and Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan was shot at by unidentified assailants in the Deoband area of Saharanpur district in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday evening. He was taken to hospital and is reported to be stable.
When assailants fired at the car Mr. Azad was travelling in, a bullet grazed his abdomen, the police said.
Manish Kumar, the driver, told The Hindu, “I slowed the vehicle at a speed breaker; suddenly shots were fired by a few car-borne armed men, a bullet brushed past Mr. Azad. He is getting treated at a local hospital.”
Mr. Azad had gone to attend a terahvin (mourning) ritual at a supporter’s home and the shooting happened as he was returning.
The U.P. Police said it is investigating the matter and will initiate action as per the law. “Around 5.15 p.m., Deoband Police received the information of firing. Senior police officials reached the spot and took the victim to nearby hospital. The condition of the victim is stable. He is out of danger,” said Saharanpur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vipin Tada.
The Opposition lashed out at the ruling BJP government in the State. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav described the state of affairs as “Jungle Raj” and said that the attack was carried by criminals protected by those in power. “The murderous attack on Mr. Chandrashekhar Azad, national president of Azad Samaj Party, by criminals protected by those in power is a highly condemnable and cowardly act. When the people’s representatives are not safe under BJP rule, then what will happen to the general public? Jungle Raj in U.P.,” tweeted Mr. Yadav.
The Azad Samaj Party has not had any electoral success but is considered to enjoy support among the Dalit population in western U.P. The party’s stated goal is to protect the constitutional guaranteed rights of Dalits and other oppressed sections.
Mr. Azad issued a video message from the hospital asking supporters to maintain peace, adding that they have to fight through constitutional means. “I request all to maintain peace. You love me, so, please maintain peace. We have to fight for our rights through constitutional means,” he said.
