New Delhi: Condemning the killing of a man for allegedly eating beef in a village in Greater Noida, the AAP on Thursday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take strict action against those behind in the incident.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also demanded sacking of Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma for his comments on the incident.
“Killing a man just on the rumours of eating beef is not only a heinous crime but also an attempt to shatter unity of the nation. We strongly condemn this act,” AAP leader Ashutosh said at a press conference here.
Sharma earlier told the media that the “incident should not be given political colour” and that it took place due to some “misunderstandings”.
“Mahesh Sharma’s statement over the incident is shameful. We (AAP) demand the prime minister sack him from the cabinet,” Ashutosh said hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“Such a gruesome incident took place only a few km away from the national capital where the prime minister of the country lives and works,” he said.
“The prime minister must take cognisance of this serious crime and take strict action against those involved in the incident. Action should also be taken against the ministers or leaders who are interfering in the investigation.”
He also said he would meet Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Governor Ram Naik over this incident and “deteriorating” law and order situation in the state.
When asked about whom he thinks responsible for the incident, Ashutosh said: “Some BJP leaders there are asking for the release of the people arrested for lynching the man. The way BJP’s minister and other leaders were trying to justify the incident it shows the BJP’s hand behind the incident.”
“Law and order in Uttar Pradesh has deteriorated a lot. The Samajwadi Party and the BJP were trying to disrupt the harmony in the state. The BJP is playing dirty game in the state,” he said demanding a thorough probe into the incident.
On Monday night, 50-year-old Akhlaq, a resident of Bisara village in Greater Noida was allegedly dragged from his home and lynched for sacrificing a cow.
–IANS