Demand for CBI enquiry into the death of Dalit leader

Demand for CBI enquiry into the death of Dalit leader

Lok Rajniti Manch expresses concern over the mysterious death of Indian Justice Party (IJP) candidate from Jaunpur, Bahadur Lal Sonkar (48 years), whose body was found hanging from a tree.

It is very unfortunate that on the eve of Ambedkar Jayanti such gory incidents has taken place.

Criminalization of politics is reaching at alarming levels. As per media reports, the IJP said that "Bahadur Lal was receiving life threats from BSP candidate Dhananjay Singh and some top police officials. The latter were asking him to withdraw his nomination or be ready to face the music." (The Pioneer, 14 April 2009).

We demand CBI enquiry into the incident and appropriate legal action should be taken without delay against those who are responsible for the death of Bahadur Lal Sonkar.

Bahadur Lal was a dalit leader in Jaunpur. We are concerned that despite of the fact that Bahadur Lal had reportedly informed the authorities about the life-threats and demanded security, he neither got the security nor any action was taken to preempt such killing.

The criminalization of politics is of extreme concern and those with criminal backgrounds should be barred from the politics.

SR Darapuri (Lok Rajniti Manch's candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency), Dr Sandeep Pandey (Member, National Presidium, Lok Rajniti Manch), Ram Sagar (Lok Rajniti Manch's candidate from Mishrik parliamentary constituency)