On Thursday, former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot met with the family of Ramprasad Meena, who is reported to have committed suicide after blaming Mahesh Joshi, a member of the Rajasthan Cabinet, and others of causing him a lot of trouble over a land dispute in Jaipur.
Pilot, who is involved in a tussle for power with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in the state unit of the Congress, demanded an impartial and time-bound probe in the case after meeting the family members at the dharna site near their home. He also talked to Kirodi Lal Meena during his visit. On Thursday, Pilot reached the dharna site in Chandi ki Taksal and met the family members. Former Jaipur mayor Jyoti Khandelwal accompanied Pilot. Last week, Pilot held a day-long fast in Jaipur against his own Congress government, alleging inaction by it in cases of alleged corruption during the previous Vasundhara Raje government. He has also skipped two programmes organised by the party in Jaipur.
“A person from the ST community has died by suicide. It is a shock if someone’s life is lost. It is a very heartbreaking incident. I talked to his father, brother, and son, and they have said several things,” Pilot told reporters. “The victim’s family should get justice. Justice should not be delayed, and justice should also be visible,” he said.
When pointed out that the family members have said they feel an atmosphere of fear, Pilot said, “The family is speaking, so there must be pressure. I do not understand why the delay is happening. There are proofs coming up. If the action is seen, then it will generate confidence in them,” he said. Pilot said there are video statements and other proofs that should be considered during the investigation.
Police have registered a case of abetment to suicide against Joshi and others based on a complaint by Meena’s brother. His family members, however, have sat on a dharna at Subhash Chowk, demanding action against the accused, and have refused to take his body.