Why is the Karni Sena Protesting for the Removal of Harda SP and DM?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing protests reflect community unrest against police actions.
- Karni Sena is demanding accountability and justice.
- The situation could escalate if demands are unmet.
- Local support from various communities is evident.
- Calls for a judicial inquiry into police actions are growing.
Bhopal, July 18 (NationPress) The flames of discontent are still burning bright in Madhya Pradesh as the Karni Sena, supported by members of the Rajput community, orchestrates a series of protests against alleged police misconduct in Harda and Ratlam.
They are gearing up for a statewide demonstration if Superintendent of Police Abhinav Chouksey and District Collector Siddharth Jain are not dismissed.
What initially started as a local issue has expanded into a statewide movement calling for accountability, justice, and the removal of senior police officials.
The catalyst for this unrest was on July 13, when police allegedly raided the Rajput hostel in Harda and used lathi-charges against Karni Sena members, including female students and national president Jeevan Singh Sherpur.
Footage of this event circulated widely on social media, drawing significant backlash.
Karni Sena District President Sunil Rajput and others reportedly faced assault and arrest following a confrontation at the City Kotwali police station.
This incident, stemming from a diamond fraud allegation, escalated into a confrontation that has garnered widespread condemnation.
Superintendent of Police Abhinav Chouksey stated that police arrested the suspect Mohit Verma based on complaints from Sunil Rajput, but Karni Sena members demanded that the suspect be handed over to them at the courthouse.
Chouksey shared his explanation and rationale for the use of force through a video message.
Congress legislator from Harda, Ramkishore Dogne, has written to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, currently abroad, calling for a judicial investigation and labeling the police response as "disproportionate" and "politically motivated".
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has requested a comprehensive report, but his absence has only fueled the opposition's criticisms.
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh demanded a judicial inquiry into the Harda incident, where police employed "mild force" against Karni Sena during a protest.
Singh, after visiting Harda and meeting with Karni Sena and Rajput community representatives, described the police actions as "barbaric".
The unrest extended into Ratlam, where Karni Sena activists organized a rally from Nehru Stadium to the Collectorate on Friday, advocating for the removal of Assistant Superintendent of Police Rakesh Khakha.
Protesters claim that Khakha ordered an unprovoked lathi-charge on peaceful demonstrators near a tea stall, where Karni Sena members were peacefully protesting in solidarity with those affected in Harda and demanding justice.
A memorandum submitted to Additional District Magistrate Shalini Srivastava calls for Khakha's termination and legal action against officers accused of brutality.
In Khandwa, the protests took on a broader social aspect, uniting citizens from various communities in condemning the police's actions.
Pankaj Raj, District President of Karni Sena, accused BJP leaders of inaction and claimed that the party punishes those who advocate for justice.
In Shajapur, protesters organized a vibrant march from Dhobi Chowk to the Collectorate, with a notable turnout of women.
Demonstrators conducted a sit-in and submitted a memorandum demanding the immediate dismissal of Harda's top officials and legal action against the police involved.
State Karni Sena Secretary Ajit Singh Dodia accused the police of using excessive force against a peaceful protest regarding a diamond fraud case.
Indore also witnessed a rally, culminating in a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding the removal of Harda's Superintendent of Police and Collector.
Protesters warned of escalating agitation if justice is not promptly served.
The Karni Sena is calling for the suspension of implicated officers, withdrawal of false charges, and immediate release of detained members.
As the administration remains silent, the streets of Madhya Pradesh are poised for another weekend of unrest, with the Rajput community's demand for dignity and justice growing louder.