Congress MLA Devendra Yadav was arrested on Saturday in connection with the violence that took place on June 10 during the agitation of the Satnami community in Balodabazar city of Chhattisgarh. Balodabazar Superintendent of Police Vijay Aggarwal said that Yadav was arrested from his residence in Durg district. After the news of the police action spread, many supporters of Yadav gathered outside his residence in Bhilai Nagar area of Durg and raised slogans. Yadav, an influential young face of the party, is a second-time MLA from Bhilai Nagar constituency. Regarding the arrest, Yadav has accused the BJP government of implicating Congress workers.
FIR has been registered against Congress MLA in these cases
Aggarwal said that Yadav has been arrested in connection with the case registered in the Kotwali police station regarding the Balodabazar arson incident. The case against him is under sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 147 (punishment for rioting), 186 (preventing a government servant from performing his duty), 353 (obstructing a public servant from performing his duty). A case has been registered under sections 307 (attempt to murder) and other sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
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Arrested for not cooperating with police
Aggarwal said that Yadav was produced in the local court. From where he has been sent to judicial custody till August 20. According to sources, the police had called Yadav at least three times to record his statement, but he did not cooperate. After which he was arrested. Balodabazar policemen along with Durg policemen reached Yadav’s house at around seven in the morning. As soon as the news spread, Yadav’s supporters tried to save the MLA and raised slogans.
An officer said that the police finally succeeded in taking away Yadav at around 5 pm. On the night of 15th and 16th May this year, the sacred symbol ‘Jaitkham’ or ‘Vijay Stambh’, worshiped by the Satnami community, was broken by unknown people near the Amar Cave in Girodpuri Dham. After which protests started in June.
More than 150 vehicles were set on fire
On June 10, during a protest called against the alleged vandalism of ‘Vijay Stambh’ by Satnamis in Balodabazar city, a mob set fire to a government office and more than 150 vehicles. Congress leaders, including Yadav, had reportedly participated in a public meeting during the protest organized by the Satnamis at the Dussehra grounds.
Around 150 people, including members of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) and Bhima “Regiment”, were arrested in connection with the June 10 arson. Let us tell you that the influential Satnami community founded by the medieval social reformer Baba Guru Ghasidas represents the largest Scheduled Caste group in Chhattisgarh.
Yadav said after arrest, will not be afraid of BJP
Taking aim at the ruling BJP, Yadav said he was not afraid of the government and would continue his fight for the people. He said in Bhilai that the state government is trying to implicate Congress workers in the Balodabazar arson case. The government took action against me for raising my voice for the youth and innocent people of Satnami community. I am not afraid of the government and will fight a legal battle. Yadav claimed that he had earlier also appeared before the Balodabazar police after being summoned.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel termed Yadav’s arrest as political vendetta and asked the police not to act under political pressure. Baghel alleged that the role of government and police in the entire incident is doubtful. Despite the alleged role of former BJP MLA Sanam Jangade in the incident, no BJP member was interrogated or arrested.