The Jat quota agitation held in February this year resulted in blockades of roads, including national highways, violence and extensive damage to public and private properties in many districts. (PTI File Photo)
About 90 officials, including IAS and IPS officers, have been identified in a report on Jat agitation for failing to perform their duty when widespread violence and arson hit eight districts of Haryana during the reservation protests in February.
A committee headed by former IPS officer Prakash Singh to enquire into the lapses by officials in districts which saw maximum anarchy has submitted its report to the Manohar Lal Khattar government, but the Congress isn't happy with the inquiry's own credentials.
Former DGP Prakash Singh recorded 143 videos, 2000 eyewitnesses and 395 statements to conclude what many had suspected about the Haryana violence that killed 30 in February this year.
"There was an entire sub division where the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Deputy Superintendent of Police gave mob a free hand to commit arson and violence at free will and then swung into action after damage was done... there are similar instances of administrative failure," Mr Singh said.
Of the nearly 90 officers named in the report, at least a third of them are from Rohtak, the heart of the agitation.
"We have made our recommendations, but we have not suggested any punitive measures. It is the job of the government," said Mr Singh.
Chief Minister Khattar said, "We have got the report. We will examine it and take necessary action soon."
The opposition, however, is not satisfied.
"Prakash Singh is from Vivekanand institute run by the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak... we have demanded enquiry by a sitting judge," said Congress Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.