Swami Agnivesh ‘thrashed’ by BJP Yuva Morcha; probe ordered

Social Activist Swami Agnivesh on Tuesday was allegedly thrashed by the BJP Yuva Morcha and ABVP members at Jharkhand's Pakur for his "anti-Hindu" stance. Agnivesh was on his way to an event in Littipara of the district.

Meanwhile, a video of Agnivesh, being thrashed by a large crowd is currently doing rounds on the social networking sites.

Accusing the police personnel of turning a blind eye, the social activist said, "There was no police personnel present there. Even when I repeatedly called SP and DM they didn't turn up".

"I was told that ABVP and BJP Yuva Morcha workers want to protest. I told them there's no need to protest, they can come in & talk. No one came in at that time," he added.

Agnivesh further went on to express his anguish over the attack and said, "I want the accused to be identified from CCTV footage and video available with media and action be taken against them".

Activist Swami Agnivesh was thrashed, allegedly by BJP Yuva Morcha workers in Jharkhand's Pakur, earlier today. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/59kqoV9uj4

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2018

On being asked about the incident, Superintendent of Police, Shailendra Prasad Bunwal said that they were not informed about Agnivesh's programme in the district. Pakur Sub-divisional Police officer Ashok Kumar Singh, however, has assured significant steps to punish the guilty.

Hours after the alleged thrashing broke out on the internet, Jharkhand BJP Spokesperson P Shahdeo came out to clear their stance. Speaking to ANI Shahdeo said, "They weren't workers of our party. We condemn this but his track record is such that this reaction doesn't come as surprise. Pakur has recently been in news for religious conversion".

Cheif Minister Raghubar Das, however, has ordered a probe to identify the accused in the matter.