New Delhi- The National Scheduled Castes Commission has taken notice of the complaints of imminent threat to the life of prominent Dalit rights activist and lawyer Rajat Kalsan, allegedly orchestrated by casteist elements and conspirators within the prison system.
Taking serious cognizance of the matter, the Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary (Home) of Haryana, seeking a comprehensive response within a stipulated timeframe of 15 days.
Additionally, in a proactive move, the Commission has decided to initiate its own independent investigation into the troubling developments.
Rajat Kalsan, appearing before the Commission's Chairman, Kishor Makwana, on April 26th, recounted the harrowing experiences he has faced. He detailed his advocacy for justice, notably his representation of victims in the infamous Mirchpur massacre and arson cases in Haryana.
His efforts resulted in the sentencing of 33 individuals by the Special Court and High Court, with 12 convicted under charges of murder and the SC/ST Act.
Similarly, Kalsan has been instrumental in numerous cases related to Dalit atrocities, leading to the incarceration of perpetrators. However, his zealous pursuit of justice has made him a prime target for those harboring casteist biases, who are now allegedly plotting his demise behind bars.
Kalsan further disclosed to the Commission the longstanding security measures provided to him by the Haryana Police, spanning nearly a decade, in accordance with directives from the National Scheduled Castes Commission and the Supreme Court.
However, in a concerning turn of events, his security detail has been abruptly withdrawn by the current state administration and law enforcement agencies, purportedly due to political considerations.
In an exclusive interview with The Mooknayak, Rajat Kalsan revealed his ongoing struggle for security, spanning over the past three years. Despite his repeated appeals, the government's response has been unyielding. "Many of my clients, upon their release from jail, disclosed to me the conspiracy to end my life. I meticulously recorded their statements, obtained their affidavits, and presented them to the police authorities. Unfortunately, no action has been taken," Kalsan lamented.
Kalsan informed the Commission that some of his clients, who are under judicial custody in criminal cases, are currently held in Hisar Jail. Upon their release on bail, they informed him that there were plans to murder him in jail.
His clients revealed that funds have been collected for his murder, and a gangster who is currently on the run has been tasked with carrying out the assassination. They also informed him that his home and office have been surveyed, and it is possible that an i20 car might be involved in the attack.
Kalsan further informed the Commission that despite lodging complaints with senior police officials, along with affidavits and statements from his clients, the police, due to prejudice, have not provided him with security.
He stated that he and his colleague, who regularly visits Hisar Jail as Legal Aid Counsel, have also been threatened with murder by inmates. He mentioned that he has audio recordings of inmates informing him about the conspiracy to murder him in jail.
Kalsan said that he has submitted all concrete evidence to the CID and police officials, but due to the bias of the police, he has not been provided with security. He informed the Commission that he has demanded security from the Police Superintendent of Hansi, Inspector General of Hisar Range, Haryana DGP, and even the Chief Minister, but no action has been taken on his request.
Kalsan informed the Commission that in this matter, the Chief Secretary (Home) of Haryana has been issued a notice, demanding a response within 15 days. If the concerned officer fails to provide a satisfactory response within 15 days, the Commission may summon the Home Secretary of Haryana to its office for further action.
However, with the National Scheduled Castes Commission taking serious cognizance of his complaints, there is renewed hope. "Now that the SCST commission has taken serious note of my complaints, they have to file a reply within 15 days of the receipt of the letter regarding the actions taken on my complaints," Kalsan emphasized. Kalsan said he received a copy of the Commission's letter in June 6.
The Mirchpur case, a tragic incident of violence against Dalits in Haryana's Hisar district on April 21, 2010, resulted from a dispute initiated when a dog belonging to a Valmiki community member barked at Jat youths on April 19, 2010.
This led to escalating tensions, culminating in a brutal attack by a mob of armed Jats who set fire to Dalit homes. The violence claimed the lives of a 70-year-old Dalit man and his disabled daughter, leaving many others injured and forcing Dalit villagers to flee.
Rajat Kalsan took up the victims' cause, eventually leading to the case being transferred to the CBI. Despite initial setbacks, Kalsan's efforts resulted in significant convictions by the Delhi High Court in 2018, marking a crucial step towards justice for the victims of this heinous atrocity.
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