Days after a mob comprising right-wing groups attempted to lynch a Muslim boy in Uttarakhand, state BJP MLA Rajkumar Thukral issued a statement, warning that these outfits will fight those who “destroy Hindu culture”.
Recently, a video of an incident from May 22 had surfaced online, where Sub-Inspector Gagandeep Singh of Ramnagar Police Station could be seen shielding a Muslim boy, Irfan (23), from a mob at the Garjiya temple. Reportedly, Irfan was spotted with a 19-year-old Hindu girl at the temple, which upset some people. Later, the boy was thrashed by a mob, reportedly comprising Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal members.
Singh received widespread praise for having saved Irfan’s life.
#Respect and #gratitude for all service women and men who serve and protect. This officer should be officially recognized for his bravery. https://t.co/TOd0LxHAlb
— Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) May 26, 2018
This brave Uttarakhand police officer saved Muslim boy from being Lynched today in Ramnagar, Nainital.#GaganDeep performed his duty by saving a life.
Hero with a Turban.
.#respect pic.twitter.com/1Tn7syi0dA— Mohd Aamir (@aamir_010) May 25, 2018
Deeply impressed by the courage of #Sikh police officer #GagandeepSingh displayed while saving a #Muslim boy from a mob in #Uttarkhand State of #India. A true human who kept religious beliefs aside when it came to humanity. pic.twitter.com/l22Y77XO27
— Adam Mohamed (@Adamiington) May 25, 2018
ALSO READ: Sikh Cop Protects Muslim Boy From Being Lynched In Uttarakhand
However, the BJP MLA did not seem too happy with how things went down. Addressing the media on Saturday, Thukral said, “It is time to teach a lesson to the people who want to destroy the atmosphere of Ramnagar. If (Ramnagar) police and the administration does not wake up then the Hindu Sena (army) will have to come out and fight the people who wish to destroy Hindu culture.”
Rajkumar Thukral
“Why were they roaming (in the temple premises) with a Hindu girl? They tried to ignite the emotions of the Hindu community,” Thukral said. “We will fight the ongoing plans of destroying Hindu culture, of forced religious conversions, and of strengthening the roots of love jihad.”
Thukral’s statements were mostly not welcomed by people on social media
Legislators like @rajkumarthukral are trying to spread hatred in community. They talk about religion & don’t understand what is humanity.
“Perform all work carefully, guided by compassion.” (Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, The Bhagavad Gita) @ndtv @IndiaToday @IndianExpress @htTweets https://t.co/85GNVjV8ns— SHUCHITA SRIVASTAVA (@shuchitasrivast) May 28, 2018
Deeply worrying that an MLA can ask the police and admin to ‘wake up’ and fight citizens they are supposed to serve.
‘If police & admn does not wake up then Hindu Sena (army) will have to come out and fight the people who wish to destroy Hindu culture’https://t.co/iQs3uGqCSC
— barkha deva (@barkhad) May 28, 2018
Instead of hailing the cop, Uttarakhand BJP MLA Rajkumar Thukral asks: “Why were Muslim youths roaming on temple premises with Hindu girl”. Indian Constitution, Sir, Indian Constitution. https://t.co/UNAadjc6WM
— Sushant Singh (@SushantSin) May 28, 2018
ALSO READ: This Muslim Man Saved A Hindu Boy’s Life By Breaking His Ramzan Fast
On Friday, the Ramnagar police registered a complaint against “unknown persons” for the violent incident. As per the Station House Office (SHO) of the Ramnagar police station, Vikram Rathod, the videos would help nab the perpetrators, The Indian Express reported. However, there have been no arrests in connection with the case so far.
