Protests in Rajasthan After Murder of Former BJP Councilor Jagdish Soni's Son

The victim, Ratan Soni, was allegedly killed by a group of persons wielding swords and sticks on Tuesday night.

Image used for representational purposes only. 

(Photo: The Quint)

Protests broke out in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh after former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councilor Jagdish Soni's son Ratan aka Rakesh Soni was allegedly murdered by persons wielding swords and sticks on Tuesday, 31 May.

A large mob, including some right-wing Hindu organisations, gathered at the city's Subhash Chowk to raise slogans against Ratan's murder. A large number of police personnel were also deployed to maintain law and order.

Incidents of stone pelting also took place against the police in the city's Dhuncha Bazar area, as per ANI.

Chittorgarh MP Chandra Prakash Joshi and BJP MLA Chandrabhan Singh also demanded the arrest of the accused persons.

An appeal to call a bandh in Chittorgarh on Wednesday was also made as a mark of protest against the killing.

The Incident

Ratan, a worker of the Bajrang Dal, was allegedly attacked by some youths when he was returning after attending a programme in Manglik Dham on Tuesday night. The miscreants left the spot after attacking him.

Ratan was then rushed to the district hospital, after which he was taken to Udaipur. However, he died during the journey.

His body was later brought to Chittorgarh's district headquarters.

Meanwhile, the police said that the investigation was ongoing, and that three suspects had been taken into custody so far on the basis of an FIR.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Preeti Jain also appealed for peace, and the maintenance of law and order in the district.

"I appeal to people to not get fooled by fake news that could lead to disruptions in law and order. The police is constantly trying to solve the case and will soon nab all the suspects," Jain said.

Section 144 Imposed

She added that internet had been suspended in the area and that Section 144 had been imposed. The SP also said that the Special Task Force (STF) had been deployed to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, the post-mortem of the body was yet to be conducted, as per the police.

Jain also said that the family of the deceased had demanded financial assistance as well as a job for one of its members.

(With inputs from ANI.)