Baddi Shootout Incident: Scrap Mafia’s Protection, Says Bindal
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Shimla, July 1, 2024 – BJP State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal has raised serious allegations against the Congress government, claiming that Himachal Pradesh is in the grip of various mafias, including mining, scrap, drug, and liquor mafias, all allegedly under the protection of the ruling party. Dr. Bindal’s comments come in the wake of a recent shootout in Baddi, which he attributed to the protection of the scrap mafia.
Dr. Bindal expressed grave concern over the rising crime rate in Himachal Pradesh, stating that the state has been shaken by incidents of violence and crime. The recent shootout in Baddi, which occurred in front of a crowd of 1,000 people watching a match, is seen as a new turn in the lawlessness spreading across the state. He highlighted that the lack of fear among criminal elements in the state, contrasted with the fear experienced by ordinary citizens, employees, and shopkeepers, is a sign of the deteriorating law and order situation.
Dr. Bindal alleged that Himachal Pradesh is under the control of various mafias, all receiving protection from the Congress government. He cited incidents of gunfire in Baddi, as well as in Bilaspur outside the DC, SP, and court offices, noting that there have been more than five shootouts in the state within the past month. He questioned who is monitoring and ensuring security in these incidents.
A particularly concerning aspect of the Baddi incident, according to Dr. Bindal, is that legislators Trilok Jamwal from Bilaspur and the CPS from Doon had informed the DC and SP about the presence of individuals with illegal arms in the area. Despite this information, no action was taken, indicating the administration’s complacency and possible protection of these criminal elements.
Dr. Bindal also mentioned approximately 20 incidents of violence, including murders of local residents, foreign nationals, taxi drivers, traders, and women, all occurring between June 1 and June 30. He accused the government of inaction over the past 18 months, leading to a terrifying and chaotic situation in Himachal Pradesh. He questioned whether the government intended to turn Nalagarh into a mafia stronghold, accusing the state machinery of endangering the lives of citizens and flouting law and order.
He further criticized the government for creating an atmosphere of fear with frequent inspections and fines by food, excise, and labor inspectors in Dehra, Nalagarh, and Hamirpur. He claimed that the Chief Minister’s friends are transferring relatives of panchayat heads and BDC members, suggesting an attempt to hijack the elections. Dr. Bindal asserted that this government is deliberately destabilizing the state, but predicted that the Chief Minister’s beneficiaries would disappear after June 10.
