Javadekar attacks Gehlot govt over priest's murder, dares Rahul Gandhi to visit Rajasthan

Speaking to media on Friday, Union I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar expressed outr at murder of temple priest Babulal Vaishnav at Bukna vill, Karauli district in Rajasthan. Highlighting that rapes were being reported in state on a daily basis, he alleged that law and order had collapsed in state. Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi's recent visit to Hathras, Punjab and Haryana, he asked  former Congress president to visit every district of Rajasthan. Maintaining that he only indulges in politics, Javadekar dared Gandhi to ask for resignation of Ashok Gehlot-led government.

Union I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar remarked, " entire state is shaken by murder of a temple priest by land mafia. A few days ago, a police station in Behror was attacked with an AK-47 to free a criminal, who is absconding till today. Rapes are taking place in Rajasthan every day wher it is Bundi, Banswara, Barmer, Sikar, or Jaipur. state government is t able to do anything about such incidents. Law and order situation has collapsed in Rajasthan. Instead of touring India, Rahul Gandhi should go to every district of Rajasthan. He should eir ask government to step down or give suggestions for improvement. He only indulges in politics."

Read: Avg Time Taken To Probe Rape, POCSO Act Cases Down To 113 Days In Rajasthan

Read: Ashok Gehlot's Rajasthan Police Books Sachin Pilot’s Aide For 'fake News' Of Phone Tapping

Priest set on fire

After Vaishnav was referred to Sawai Mansingh Hospital in Jaipur in a critical condition, he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday night. As per Karauli SP Mridul Kachhwa, priest gave a statement to police in hospital that some influential people including Kailash Meena and his sons tried to encroach temple land. In his dying declaration, he reportedly stated that accused threw petrol on him and set him on fire.

Kailash Meena has been arrested while police have constituted 6 teams to investigate matter. Vaishnav's relatives have sought action against Station House Officer, an investigation by a senior officer, compensation from state government and a government job to a family member. Meanwhile, BJP national spokesperson Rajyavardhan Rathore opined that Rajasthan was being maligned due to such dastardly crimes. Claiming that one is safe in state today, he taunted that a "government which stays at a five-star hotel for months can only protect itself".

Read: Woman, Daughter Drown In Well In Rajasthan's Jhalawar