Dalits demand CBI probe into Ghatkopar firing

MUMBAI, July 28: Perturbed over the pace of investigation into the July 11 firing, dalit residents of Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar, Ghatkopar, have demand an immediate Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the incident of desecration of Dr Ambedkar’s statue and the consequent firing.

The residents have raised several questions like “Why did the local MP not visit the affected area? Why did dalit leaders reach late? And why are investigations so slow and the culprits yet to be booked?” These were the reactions of the common man of the locality at the `Adaranjali’ function organised to pay tributes to those killed. Relatives of the 11 victims have received only a part of the compensation of Rs 30,000 by cheque, while documents of fixed deposits of the remaining Rs 1,70,000 are yet to be handed over. The kin of the deceased were happy over the immediate disbursal of Rs 25,000 by the Gujarat government. They have also received underworld don Arun Gawli’s compensation of Rs 5,000 in cash. However, relatives of the victims and injured are unhappy as 15 days have passed and the real criminals are yet to be nabbed and action against police officials is yet to be taken.