If voted to power in Jharkhand, BJP will set up committee to identify infiltrators: Amit Shah
Seraikela, Nov 11: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that if the BJP is voted to power in Jharkhand, it will set up a committee to identify illegal immigrants and drive them out, besides reclaiming the land "grabbed" by them.
Addressing a rally in Seraikela, Shah said a law would be enacted to prevent the transfer of land to infiltrators on their marriage with tribal women.
"Tribal population is declining in Jharkhand. Infiltrators are grabbing land by marrying our daughters. We will bring legislation to prevent the transfer of land to infiltrators if they marry tribal women. We will also form a committee to identify infiltrators to drive them out and reclaim land grabbed by them," he said.
Shah claimed that Champai Soren was insulted when he raised the issue of illegal immigration and was forced to resign from the CM's post by Hemant Soren.
Accusing the leaders of the JMM, Congress and RJD of working for personal growth, he said, "Corrupt leaders of the JMM-led coalition will be sent behind bars if the BJP forms government in Jharkhand."
Shah alleged that the JMM-led dispensation "devoured" Rs 3.90 lakh crore sent by the Centre.
He promised that once the BJP is voted to power, it will ensure that if the Centre sends one rupee, 25 more paise is added to it by the state so that Rs 1.25 reaches the people.
Addressing another election rally in Tamar in Ranchi district, he called the Congress a "sinking ship" and said that it could not "save" Soren in the elections.
Shah alleged the ruling JMM-led coalition destroyed Jharkhand, and promised that the BJP would make it the most prosperous state in the next five years if it is voted to power.
He alleged that the JMM and Congress consider tribals as a mere "vote bank" and do not respect them.
"Tribals are facing extinction due to infiltrators who are the vote bank of the JMM-led coalition," he claimed.
Attacking the Congress, Shah said that even "four generations of Rahul Gandhi" cannot restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
