What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
BENGALURU: A murder of a shopkeeper in Udaipur, Kanhaiya Lal, on Tuesday sent shockwaves in the country. The 40-year-old was murdered by two men for supporting the erstwhile Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma.
The perpetrators entered Kanhaiya Lal’s shop at a crowded market in Udaipur in the afternoon and slit his throat with a cleaver. They later recorded a video admitting to killing him.
His killing has sparked off tensions in the city as the administration has suspended the Internet. Social media has gone into a tizzy over his heinous murder and are condemning the extremists and the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in Rajasthan.
In an exclusive interview with The New Indian, the BJP MLA from Udaipur Rural – Phool Singh Meena – spoke candidly on the issue.
Q: What do you have to say about this dastardly act of murder of Kanhaiya Lal?
A: This is a very sad and unfortunate incident. The man had informed the police and filed a complaint that he had been receiving death threats from some people over his social media post. If the police had taken cognizance of his complaint and swung into action, this would not have happened. Instead, they told him to not go to his shop for some days.
He did not go to his shop for six days but how long could he have been away? He had to earn his livelihood. The perpetrators were on the prowl and committed this horrific murder.
Q: Who do you hold responsible for his murder?
A: I squarely blame the police and the Ashok Gehlot government. Why didn’t they provide him protection even after he complained? They almost gave an invitation to these extremists to commit Kanhaiya Lal. The Gehlot government has proved to be incompetent and ineffective.
Q: Rajasthan is my native state. It has always been known for communal amity and bonhomie.
A: What you are saying is right. Till a few years ago, Rajasthan was a peaceful state where all communities lived in harmony. But the situation has changed under the Gehlot government. Extremists no longer fear the police as they feel they can get away with anything. Hence, they are indulging in all these criminal acts with impunity.
Q: Have you met the bereaved family? What is your message for society at this time?
A: I have come to Jaipur for a committee meeting but keeping a close tab on all the proceedings. We will collectively decide our future course of action. As for the message, I appeal to people to maintain calm. And I request the government to take the strictest action against perpetrators so that no such act is repeated.
