Killing of Pahlu Khan is an act of terrorism, and so the killers should be arrested under terror laws and whoever supports them whether he is minister should also be treated with the same law: Swami Agnivesh
Raheem Khan, IndiaTomorrow.net,
Jaipur, April 18: Renowned Arya Samaj scholar and social activist Swami Agnivesh on Monday termed the killing of dairy farmer Pahlu Khan by a gang of alleged cow protectors as an act of terrorism and demanded the government to arrest and prosecute the accused under the country’s terror laws.
On the sidelines of a protest demonstration here seeking justice for Khan, 50-year-old Haryana dairy farmer lynched by the mob of cow vigilantes in Alwar district of the state on 1st April, Swami Agnivesh was talking to some journalists on the issue. He said those who are supporting the violent lynching mob should also be treated under the same terror law.
“Killing of Pahlu Khan is an act of terrorism, and so the killers should be arrested under terror laws and whoever supports them whether he is minister should also be treated with the same law. This is because our central and state governments have already announced zero tolerance against terrorism,” said Agnivesh.
“Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) has already said that such cow protectors are criminals and they are anti-social elements. Why are then such groups flourishing and who is allowing them to take law unto their hand,” asked Agnivesh.
Pahlu Khan, his two sons and a relative and neighbour Azmat Khan were attacked while they were on way to Haryana after purchasing some cows and calves from a government-run cattle fair in Jaipur. While Pahlu Khan succumbed to injuries during treatment at hospital, others are recovering.
BJP is in power in Rajasthan.
Swami Agnivesh strongly condemned state home minister for showing softness for the violent mob.
“If someone is breaking law related to cow protection, one’s job is to inform the police and that’s it. How can one stop a truck, assault the travellers and even kill one of them,” he asked.
“State home minister Gulab Chand Kataria has said both (victim and attackers) are accused. And attackers have not yet been arrested – this is support for the attackers,” he said.
Pahlu Khan’s family threatens to commit suicide if not got justice
More than two weeks have passed since the incident, but neither main accused has reportedly been arrested, nor has the victim family got any monetary support from the government.
Pahlu Khan’s family on Monday threatened to commit suicide if the government did not ensure justice to them.
Speaking at an event organized by CPI-M at Shaheed Smarak Park in Jaipur, Pahlu’s uncle Hussain Khan said: “If we did not get justice, whole family of Pahul Khan will commit suicide.”
