Jaipur:
Rajasthan Home Minister Shanti Dhariwal, already in the dock for defending police firing during Bharatpur violence, has ignited a fresh row. He has advised policemen in his state to respond aggressively if they are out-numbered in a mob situation, even if it means innocents getting injured during the police action.
Referring to the Bharatpur incident where two on-duty police constables were beaten up by villagers in violence-hit Gopalgarh, the minister said, ''The police should go back to the village and beat the miscreants and in such a case, if few of the innocents get beaten, then let it be.''
Dhariwal made the controversial statement while addressing a meeting of retired personnel of state police services in Jaipur, on Monday.
Two weeks ago, a team sent by the Congress high command concluded that there were "police excesses" during Bharatpur violence. The report also blamed the state administration for "mismanagement."
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has admitted to administrative lapse during Bharatpur violence. He said his government has ordered separate inquiries into the September 14 incident which claimed nine lives.
"It was a dispute of land between two groups and, prima facie, it appeared that officers of district administration and police could not control the situation in time so we removed them," Gehlot told reporters in Kota last week.
Dhariwal had earlier said the state government will take up the responsibility but the real culprit will be known only after an inquiry.
"We do take collective responsibility for the Bharatpur incident. Those found guilty will be punished and action will be taken. The judicial enquiry will be completed within three months."