Than firing: 30,000 dalits hold meet, press for aid, action against cops

Around 30,000 dalits on Tuesday held a mega convention in Than area of Surendranagar, where three youths were killed in police firing a few days ago, and demanded immediate arrest of the "accused" policemen, compensation for the affected families and a probe by SIT or CBI instead of CID.

At the convention, held a week after an FIR was lodged against four policemen including two sub-inspectors by CID, the dalits passed resolutions to press their demand.

Dalit leader Raju Solanki said it was an apolitical convention where resolutions were passed and threatened to intensify their protests if their demands were not met.

The resolutions include immediate arrest of the policemen, especially SI K P Jadeja against whom an FIR of murder and criminal conspiracy has been lodged. In another resolution, the dalits have demanded investigation by a special investigation group. "SIT should be led by the officers of the choice of affected families," said Solanki, adding, "Or else hand over the case to CBI." "Its not fair to ask junior level officer to conduct probe against a senior," he added.

In other resolutions, the dalits also demanded Rs 15 lakh compensation to each of the kin of those deceased and Rs 10 lakh the injured. Besides, according to last resolution, the state government should either give affected families 5 acres of land or a government job to at least one the member of affected families.

On September 25, two youths were killed when police opened fire on a mob that was demanding action against Jadeja. On previous night, a minor was also killed in police firing when a mob consists of dalits was demanding action against the Bharwads, whom they alleged of abusing and beating them.

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