BJP's attempt to politicize and communalize 'Palghar' is shameful: Surjewala

Congress chief spokesperson, Randeep Singh Surjewala slammed BJP and a section of media for politicizing and communalizing the recent incident of mob-lynching, near Palghar district.

New Delhi:Congress Chief spokesperson, Randeep Singh Surjewala, on Monday, alleged BJP for attempting to politicize and communalize the recent incident of mob-lynching, near Palghar district.

"Tragically, BJP and it's echo system as also a section of media are attempting to project the incident with communal overtunes. These attempts to politicise are deeply shameful and must be rejected with the contempt they deserve," said the Congress leader.

Two saints- Swami Kalpvruksha Giri and Swami Sushil Giri, along with their driver Nilesh Telgade were beaten to death, allegedly by villagers in Gadchinchle of Palghar district, after they suspected them as 'thieves'.

The three people were travelling from Kandivali in Mumbai to Gujarat. Their bodies were brought to the hospital in wee hours of April 17 and were declared dead.

While condemning the incident 'unequivocally' and calling it 'extremely unfortunate', Surjewala said, "There is no place for violence in our civilized society and the strictest possible action must be taken against the accused."

He then informed that the coalition government of Maharashtra has lodged an FIR and arrested 110 people for this crime. The State Government has also ordered a CID Crime Investigation by DGP, Atul Kulkarni.

He added, "There is no communal or Hindu-Muslim angle to the attack as is being sought to be projected by those, who see and opportunity in every such incident to inflame communal passion. We urge all such persons and groups including political parties and a section of media to desist from doing so."

Surjewala also urged Maharashtra Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray to ensure an expeditious trial and punishment of the guilty.

Earlier, CM Uddhav Thackeray made similar request to rule out any communal angle in the lynching incident as he asserted that the attack took place due to the rumours about thieves roaming in area, were making rounds.