RANCHI: Social activist Swami Agnivesh was assaulted allegedly by Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and ABVP activists in broad daylight in Jharkhand’s Pakur district on Tuesday.
According to reports, the 78-year-old was punched, kicked and pushed to the ground by BJYM, ABVP activists when he was going to participate in the 195th Damin Mahotsav at Littpara. The incident which occurred just when he stepped out of his hotel left him shaken.
Activist Swami Agnivesh was thrashed, allegedly by BJP Yuva Morcha workers in Jharkhand's Pakur, earlier today. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/59kqoV9uj4
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2018
In the video of the assault that has gone viral, the attackers first shouted slogans and showed black flags and later thrashed him chanting “Jai Sri Ram” even as he fell on the ground and his aides did their best to protect him.
There was no police personnel present there. Even when I repeatedly called SP & DM they didn't turn up. I was told that ABVP & BJP Yuva Morcha workers want to protest. I told them there's no need to protest, they can come in & talk. No one came in at that time: Swami Agnivesh pic.twitter.com/szs6FK86KO
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2018
When I left from there, they suddenly attacked & hurled abuses at me. I want that they be identified from CCTV footage & video available with media & action be taken against them: Swami Agnivesh on being thrashed in Jharkhand's Pakur allegedly by BJP Yuva Morcha workers pic.twitter.com/E4Ev8HSFOL
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2018
An injured Agnivesh was later rushed to hospital. The police detained 20 of the attackers.