Alwar lynching: Meagre compensation by Rajasthan government slammed

The Vasundhara Raje government’s meagre compensation for Rakbar Khan, the Alwar lynching victim, has created a row in Rajasthan.

People paticipate in a silent protest against the ongoing lynching incidents in Bengaluru. The protest is a part of #NotInMyName campaign going on in different parts of the country. (Photo | Pushkar V)

JAIPUR: The Vasundhara Raje government’s meagre compensation for Rakbar Khan, the Alwar lynching victim, has created a row in Rajasthan. The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has demanded that at least 25 lakh should be paid as compensation to Akbar’s family. The Rajasthan government’s offer of just 1.25 lakh in compensation raises serious questions about the Raje government’s intention to provide justice in the case, PUCL said.

Haryana Chief Minister Mohan Lal Khattar announced on Thursday that his government would pay 5 lakh as compensation to the family of Rakbar, who was a resident of Kol village in Haryana’s Nuh district. The Haryana Waqf Board has also announced financial assistance of 3 lakh.

The compensation announced by the Rajasthan government is “oont ke muh mein zeera” or totally insufficient, PUCL said. “The murder of Rakbar is the complete failure of the government in protecting Muslims, especially dairy farmers, from the killer gaurakshaks, who are basically extortionists.”

“When the government has accepted that there was gross police negligence in saving Rakbar, they have made a mockery of the relief given as compensation. We demand an immediate increase of compensation amount to `25 lakh,” said Kavita Srivastava, secretary of PUCL’s Rajasthan unit.

The Opposition Congress expressed surprise over the compensation announced by the government, and Archana Sharma, chief spokesperson of the state Congress media cell, said: “Rakbar died in Rajasthan and the government has accepted that he died in police custody and a judicial inquiry has been announced. Then its strange why such a meagre compensation is being given. Raje government is trying to save the gaurkashaks, and now it is also trying to please right-wing outfits with such a petty compensation.”

Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has ruled out any immediate increase in compensation. “The state government has ordered a compensation of 1.25 lakh to Rakbar’s family and further compensation will be provided on the recommendations of the district legal committee.”

NHRC issues notice to govt

The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of the incident and issued notices to the Rajasthan government and sought a report within 15 days. The panel said the incident raised serious issues of human rights violation.