Bhim Sena chief released from Saharanpur; slammed BJP

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday cleared the premature release of Chandrashekhar aka Ravana, chief of the founder of the Bhim Sena. He was supposed to be in jail till 1 November.

Ravana was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) for his role in 2017 caste conflict in Saharanpur.

Slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party, Ravana said that his aim is to defeat BJP in 2019 elections. He further added that BJP will also be not seen in the opposition.

Two of his accomplices have already been released before their jail term was to end in November.

ALSO READ: Google’s mailing app ‘Inbox’ to discontinue from March 2019

With this, all accused held under the NSA in the May 2017 caste conflict have been set free.

What does Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar stated:

• The state government has directed the Saharanpur district magistrate for the release of the Bhim Sena chief and two of his aides.
• The decision for the premature release of the Bhim Sena chief is based on a request made through a representation by his mother.

The BJP government has also decided to set free all two accomplices of the Bhim Sena chief - Sonu and Shiv Kumar. They were to be released on November 14 this year.

It is to be mentioned that three other associates of Ravana were released on September 7 this year.

The incident:

• On May 5, 2017 caste clash took place involving Rajputs and Dalits in which one person was killed and 16 others were injured at Shabbirpur village in Saharanpur.
• A police station was set afire and 20 vehicles were burnt down.
• The violence had continued for many days.

Who is Chandrashekhar?

• The Bhim Sena chief is an advocate by profession.
• He formed the pro-Dalit Bhim Army Bharat Ekta Mission in July 2015.
• Hundreds of Dalit youths were attracted to his outfit.