Bhopal— In a significant development following nationwide condemnation and criticism of the viral video showing a man urinating on a Dalit youth, the administration of Seedhi district in Madhya Pradesh, took decisive action on Wednesday by bulldozing encroachments at the accused Pravesh Shukla's home. As portions of his house were razed down, family members wailed and protested against the proceedings.
Pravesh Shukla, the BJP worker, was arrested late last night by the Madhya Pradesh police after a video of him urinating on another man went viral on social media, causing widespread outrage. The incident sparked a political controversy, leading Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to order the application of the stringent National Security Act against the perpetrator.
In the viral video, Shukla was captured smoking a cigarette while humiliatingly urinating on a tribal man seated on the ground. Following the public outcry, the Chief Minister took immediate action, directing the authorities to register a case against Shukla under the National Security Act, SC/ST Act, and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The police apprehended Shukla at 2 am after he attempted to evade arrest by constantly changing locations. He is currently under interrogation, and his wife and parents have also been questioned as part of the investigation.
As news of the incident spread, politicians and activists took to Twitter to express their condemnation. BSP supremo Mayawati called the act "utterly appalling" and highlighted the need for severe punishment. Dilip C Mandal, a senior journalist, raised questions about the RSS's vision for a Hindu nation, criticizing the discriminatory behavior exhibited in the video.
Chandrashekhar Azad, leader of the Azad Samaj Party, didn't hold back in his criticism of the government, accusing them of perpetuating violence against marginalized communities. He pointed out the growing instances of brutality and called for the Bahujan Samaj to unite against such atrocities.
The victim in the video, a member of the tribal Kol community, resides in Kubari Gram Panchayat in Sidhi district. He works as a laborer, and the incident reportedly occurred about a week prior. The exact motive behind the act is yet to be determined, but it is believed that the accused, who is associated with the BJP, targeted the victim while under the influence of alcohol.
After viewing the video, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed his dismay and took to Twitter to assure the public of swift action. The administration promptly registered a case against the accused following his directive.
The Mooknayak attempted to contact Dr. Ravindra Verma, Superintendent of Police, Sidhi, for further information but was unsuccessful. However, with the Chief Minister's intervention, legal proceedings against the accused are now underway.
Meanwhile, in a powerful demonstration of their disapproval on Wednesday noon, Congress workers staged a protest against the BJP government, condemning the incident that deeply affected the entire tribal community in India. The party members gathered outside the PCC office in the state capital, where they set fire to an effigy symbolizing Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
The Congress workers' protest highlighted the outrage and concern felt by many, emphasizing the need for the government to take decisive action. The incident, which had agitated the tribal community, sparked strong condemnation from not only the opposition party, but activists and common people alike as they stood in solidarity with the marginalized group.
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