Bharatpur, Oct 9: 41-year-old Gandhi accompanied by Union Minister of State for Home Jitendra Singh interacted with villagers in Gopalgarh, Maliki and Piproli. They also visited the homes of people who had suffered during the clashes.
The Congress general secretary visited Jama Masjid area in Gopalgarh where the clashes had taken place and asked people to maintain peace.
During his talks with village elders, Rahul said all matters need to be solved amicably. The Congress leader visited the house of deceased Rukhdin and interacted with his family members.
He later travelled to Piproli village riding pillion on a motorcycle, throwing the Special Protection Group personnel into a tizzy. The SPG men were left with no choice but to hitch a ride on passing motorbikes to follow the VIP.
In Piproli village, Rahul spoke to the family of deceased Iqbal Singh. The villagers came in large numbers at the place and started narrating the incidents of September 14 that left 10 people dead.
The clashes took place between Mev Muslim community and Gujjars over a land-related dispute. An inquiry into the matter has been referred to the CBI by the Congress government and a judicial probe is going on into the matter.
Earlier, an AICC fact finding team, in its report to party chief Sonia Gandhi, spoke of “police excesses” during the riots.
The National Commission for Minorities has also held the Ashok Gehlot government responsible for the violent clashes. PTI
