An ITBP jawan's social media post in which he has threatened to emulate soldier-turned-outlaw Paan Singh Tomar over alleged inaction by police against those who allegedly assaulted his family members has prompted Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath to intervene.
Nath has directed officials to probe the matter and provide security to family members of the jawan, Amit Singh, a resident of Mundi village in Khandwa district.
What Happened?
According to Atul Singh, brother of Amit Singh, the incident occurred on 16 August when his family members had gone to Hanuwantiya Island in Khandwa district on a picnic.
He claimed that an argument broke out between the private security guards and his family members as they were not allowed to carry milk bottles and biscuits for babies at a restaurant, which turned physical.
He claimed the guards as well as staff at other facilities at Hanuwantiya attacked him and other family members with bricks and sticks.
Atul, who was injured in one of his eyes, is being treated in Indore. His other brother brother Vipul Singh has suffered a fracture in his leg.
Amit Singh Expresses His Anguish on Facebook
Amit Singh expressing his distress on Facebook said he would not hesitate to pick up a gun like Paan Singh Tomar--a soldier cum athlete who later turned an outlaw in Chambal region--if those responsible for assaulting his family members are not punished.
“Madhya Pradesh government should give justice to my family and brother...don’t force me to be become a new Paan Singh Tomar...I won’t need a training to fire a gun,” Singh wrote in Hindi.
Govt In Action Mode After Post Goes Viral
The government swung into action after the post went viral.
“There will be no injustice with anyone in my government and neither will injustice get any kind of protection. All proceedings should be carried out only after a fair probe,” Chief Minister Kamal Nath said in a statement reported NDTV.
“Taking cognisance of Singh’s Facebook post, chief minister Kamal Nath has directed an impartial investigation into the case of physical altercation between the private security personnel (hired by MP Tourism) and the ITBP jawan’s family members at Hanumantiya Dam (a tourist spot) in Khandwa district on 16 August.”Narendra Saluja, CM Kamal Nath’s media coordinator
Khandwa superintendent of police Shivdayal Singh said the matter would be re-investigated as per the directives of the chief minister.
"Cases were registered earlier on the complaints of both sides (Singh's family members and security guards). Further action would be taken if new facts emerge during probe," he said.
After CM Kamal Nath’s statement, the ITPB solider took to Facebook again, to thank the Chief Minister, reported NDTV.
“I have just been told that after media reports of the assault against my family members, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister has taken cognizance of the incident. He has told the district collector to ensure a fair probe. I am sure that the chief minister will not allow injustice to happen and will provide us help. I wholeheartedly thank him.”Amit Singh
(With Inputs from NDTV and PTI)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)