Bulandshahr violence accused expelled from post in PM Scheme after protests

Shikhar Agarwal was seen in pictures with BJP leaders at an event where he was awarded the post of the District General Secretary of the PMJKYJA Scheme

Image Courtesy:hindustantimes.com

Shikhar Agarwal, allegedly a key suspect in the 2018 mob violence which led to the death of Police Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr, has been expelled from the Pradhan Mantri Jan Kalyankari Yojna Jagrukta Abhiyan (PMJKYJA) after public outrage, the Hindustan Times reported.

Agarwal’s expulsion reportedly came after his photograph with a BJP leader went viral on social media. It was reported that Agarwal, who was out on bail was promoted to the District General Secretary of the scheme. He was purportedly being felicitated by Bulandshahr BJP President Anil Sisodia at the event on July 14, 2020.

 

 

BJP denies knowing Agarwal; distances itself from PM scheme

Speaking about Agarwal, Praiyatam Kumar Prem, the District President of the PMJKYJA told Hindustan Times that he got to know that Agarwal was an accused in the matter from the media, adding that the matter was discussed with the organization’s senior officials and that Agarwal had been expelled and was no more associated with the organization.

Prem also said that Sisodia was present at the function as a chief guest and the PMJKYJA did not have links with the party. However, Hindustan Times reported that the advisory panel overseeing the implementation of the PM’s welfare schemes included senior BJP leaders like Shyam Jaju, Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank, Narendra Tomar, Giriraj Singh and Dharmendra Pradhan, among others.

Sisodia too issued a clarification stating the same, saying that BJP did not have links with the organization and did not know who Agarwal was.

 

Yatendra Kumar Sen, Western UP Chief of the PMJKYJA too claimed that he wasn’t aware that Agarwal was out on bail, News 18 reported. The channel reported him as saying, “First of all I would like to make it clear that BJP and our organisation are not connected to each other in any way. We are an organisation who handle welfare schemes run by the central government. We have on board seven cabinet ministers and BJP National Vice President Shyam Jaju in our organisation. The BJP district chief was present in the programme as a guest and that is why he was handing over the appointment letter. The committee wasn’t aware of the fact that Shikhar Agarwal was out on bail and I thank the media for clarifying the situation. I have appraised our senior leaders of the situation.”

One, Aneet Kaushik who identified himself as the president of the organization told The Hindu that the letter given to Mr. Agarwal was a fake as they didn’t give individual letters to volunteers, adding that someone had misused their popularity.

Agarwal says party gave him opportunity

On the other hand, Shikhar Agarwal said that the party (BJP) gave him the post on basis of his dedication and service towards the people, and the PMJKYJA heads Priyatam Kumar Prem and Dr. Yatendra Kumar Sen had awarded him the post. He added that it was now his responsibility to go door-to-door and make people aware of the schemes laid out by PM Modi.

 

The Hindu also reported him as saying that the photographs were self-explanatory and he had no problems if some people wanted to disown them. “I am not facing trial for murder in the case and am out on bail. If during this period, I want to contribute to society, what’s wrong,” said Agarwal reported The Hindu.

On December 3, 2018, Police Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh (44) had been killed in mob violence that erupted near the Chingrawathi police post allegedly after cattle carcasses were found strewn near Mahaw village where lakhs of people had gathered for a ‘Tabligi Ijtema’. An FIR against 27 named people and 50 to 60 unidentified people was registered at the Siyana Police Station. Agarwal was one of the six accused who had been arrested in the matter.

SabrangIndia’s exclusive investigation had revealed how ‘social media’ had been used to plot the killing. Videos of the accused being released emerged on Facebook and social media which showed the crowd chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ while welcoming Shikhar Agarwal and other accused with garlands and flowers.

 

Now, with all the evidence in place, are the denials by the BJP and PMJKYJA authorities just a face-saving measure?

Related:

Man accused of killing Bulandshahr cop, gets plum role to run PM’s welfare campaign
Kill me if Govt can’t imprison Criminals: Widow of Bulandshahr Cop, Subodh Kumar
Rewarded with Bail, Seven Accused of Bulandshahr violence get Hero’s welcome

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