MP Police Issues Order for Strict Action Against Bhim Army, SP Claims Issued by Mistake

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has issued an order to the state police to take stringent action against the members of the dalit outfit -- Bhim Army -- who are allegedly spreading anti-Hindu sentiments in Gwalior and its adjourning areas. 

The order issued by the Gwalior SP Office, dated August 6 says, “Members / leaders of Bhim Army are spreading anti-Hindu propaganda and ingesting casteism among dalits in Gwalior district. They are holding meeting in dalit dominating areas and urging dalits not to setup lord Ganesha’s idol in their homes as he doesn't exist.”

The order further says that by denying the existence of Lord Ganesha, they (Bhim Army) are asking to worship BR Ambedkar and branding him as a god. Hence, all the police stations in-charge should keep an eye on such activities and take strict action against them.  

The order was issued by the Superintendent of Police, Gwalior on Thursday. However, on being asked about the said order, SP Gwalior Amit Sanghi said, “It’s true that the order has been issued on August 6, but I wasn’t aware of this. I also came to know about it through social media. I will look into this matter.”    

Police sources claimed that the Gwalior SP issued this bizarre order after a letter was sent by the office of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Madhya Pradesh, (Special Branch), Bhopal to the Gwalior SP on July 31.      

Coming down heavily on the ruling government, former state president of Bhim Army, Sunil Astay said, “It’s shameful to see that the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government is targeting those who are trying to educate the oppressed class and creating awareness about their rights. This must be stopped.”

Also read: We Thought You Were Muslim, MP Police Tells Assaulted Lawyer as Apology

“The police should take strict action against those officials who have issued this order,” he demanded.

When contacted, DIG Gwalior Range AK Pandey, and Inspector General of Police, Gwalior Zone, Avinash Sharma, refused to comment on this.

Commenting on the issue, Congress’s Gwalior media in-charge and former state media in-charge, KK Mishra said, “We haven’t came across any such incident of anti-Hindu activities by the Bhim Army members in the dalit areas of Gwalior. However, it seems that the ruling government is trying to create the caste-based chasm in the by-poll constituencies with the help of police to reap political mileage in the upcoming by-elections.”    

In the forthcoming by-poll, out of 27 seats, 16 constituencies fall within the Gwalior-Chambal region. The region has a considerable dalit population and it plays a vital role during the elections.

Meanwhile, several hourse later, SP Gwalior Sanghi clarified the stand over the controversial order and said, “It was issued by mistake. We received this info from the higher authorities to conduct an inquiry of this claim. However, my subordinate inspector mistakenly issued it to all police stations in-charge with my name. I'm taking action against him.”

Also read: BR Ambedkar Statue Row: Bhim Army Plans Jail Bharo If Cases Against Leaders Not Withdrawn