Massive protest against Bhagana rape case

New Delhi, May 5, 2014: Hundreds of activists, journalists, academics, students today joined hands in support of the victim of Bhagana rape case who are sitting on an indefinite dharna at Jantar Mantar since April 16 this year. They assembled at the dharna venue and expressed their solidarity with the victims. Four Dalit girls were allegedly abducted and raped by the powerful people in Bhagana. The villagers allege that the administration has done everything to deny people justice. The attitude of Haryana government is shameful to say the least.

For the last one fortnight these families have been sitting at Jantar Mantar. That apart, about 200 families are sitting on dharna at the Mini Secretariat in Hisar. These families have faced social boycott because they have been demanding their land rights. The real issue behind the atrocities on Dalits in Haryana is their demand for their land rights and refusal to accept slavish attitude.

Addressing the gathering, the victims of Bhagana said that we will not leave this place unless and until justice is done to the people of Bhagana. The Dalits in Haryana have now woken up and will not return to their homeland unless their safety and honored is guaranteed. On May 11, thousands of activists from different parts of the country will come to Delhi and protest in front of chief minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda’s residence. Speakers appealed to people to join hand with Bhagana Kand Sangarsh Samiti and strengthen its hand till our goal is achieved.

The protesters marched from Jantar Mantar to Connaught place shouting slogan against Haryana chief minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda and Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi who have failed to honor the feelings of the Dalits. Under a heavy police barricading, the activists marched with candle light in their hands and burnt effigies of Haryana chief minister and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.