Is the Rajput Community Demanding Justice in Harda?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mass participation: Thousands joined the silent rally.
- Demand for justice: Calls for accountability from police officials.
- Community support: Unanimous backing from local traders.
- Political response: Calls for intervention from local legislators.
- Continued unrest: Protests ongoing across western Madhya Pradesh.
Harda, July 19 (NationPress) - The city of Harda responded robustly to the ‘Bandh’ initiated by Karni Sena on Saturday, protesting against the police lathicharge on Karni Sena workers that occurred on July 12 and 13 this month.
In solidarity with the bandh, thousands of locals, spearheaded by the Rajput community, took part in a silent “Nyay Yatra” and a “silent rally.”
People from various backgrounds marched across the city, culminating at the Rajput hostel, where calls were made for the suspension of police officials involved in the confrontations.
Community leaders alleged that police forcibly entered the hostel premises, employing excessive force against students and youth, which they deemed as unjust.
R.K. Dogne, a legislator from Congress representing Harda, condemned the police's actions and demanded government accountability.
Ajab Singh Rajput, the Divisional Secretary of the Rajput Parishad, mentioned that the bandh received overwhelming support from local traders, with most businesses remaining closed throughout the day.
He stressed that the event was not solely led by the Rajput community, as citizens from all backgrounds joined the peaceful protest. The unrest began on July 12 when Karni Sena members sought the apprehension of an individual accused of fraud.
The police's response included a lathicharge and tear gas, leading to four arrests. Tensions escalated further the following day as protesters returned to the streets, prompting additional police action.
Sixty individuals were taken into temporary custody during what was reported as a third round of baton charges. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has requested a comprehensive report on the situation.
Saturday’s rally marked a significant moment of collective dissent, notable not only for its scale but also for its restraint. In a politically charged atmosphere, the silence of the Nyay Yatra conveyed a clear message: justice must be sought, and excesses cannot go unchallenged.
Protests continue throughout western Madhya Pradesh as members of Karni Sena and the Rajput community escalate their demands against alleged police brutality in Harda and Ratlam.
This movement, initially local, now calls for the dismissal of senior officials and accountability for the events of July 12 and 13 when police reportedly entered the Rajput hostel and lathi-charged students and activists.
Outrage was further fueled by viral videos, leading to demands for a judicial inquiry from various individuals, including legislator Dogne and former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh.
In Ratlam, demonstrators accused ASP Rakesh Khakha of ordering force against peaceful protesters. Superintendent Abhinav Chouksey defended police actions in a video statement, citing procedural justification.