Govt will not tolerate atrocities on dalits: Rajnath Singh

The Centre has said it will not tolerate atrocities on dalits at any cost. Replying to a debate in the Rajya Sabha on the recent incidents of atrocities on Dalits, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, the government is not only concerned about physical violence but also about verbal abuses against the Dalits, which equally insult and hurt a person. 

Mr. Singh said the recent incident of atrocity on Dalits in Una, Gujarat is a blot on the humanity and efforts will be made to dispose of the case within six months to give justice to the victims. Mr Singh said, the incident is unfortunate and condemnable. 

The Minister informed, so far 16 people have been arrested in the case and four police personnel have been suspended for dereliction of duty. He said, the



Gujarat government is also in the process of setting up of a Special court for speedy trial of case and is consulting the High Court. He said, the matter has been handed over to the CID for thorough investigation. The Home Minister also rejected the opposition charges that cases of atrocities against dalits have increased in last two years. 

Initiating the discussion, Sharad Yadav of JD (U) expressed grave concern over attacks on dalits and said the crimes against them have increased for the last five years. He demanded banning of organizations which have mushroomed in the name of cow protection. Ahmed Patel of the Congress asked the government to use its moral authority and do justice to dalits. He said the Gujarat incident should not be treated in isolation.