CPI(M) Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on July 18, 2018

THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly condemns the brutal attack on Swami Agnivesh in Pakur, Jharkhand.  The guilty are identified as belonging to the BJP Yuva Morcha. As has now become the norm, the BJP state government can be expected to treat them with great leniency.  The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands that proper and adequate medical attention be provided to Swami Agnivesh and that the culprits be punished immediately.

This attack on Swami Agnivesh happened despite the severe indictment of mob violence by the Supreme Court.  The Supreme Court observations on mob lynching have held up a mirror to the prime minister and the BJP central government under whose watch such crimes are being committed and private armies are allowed to rule the roost.  The very fact that the culprits, even when identified, go unpunished speaks volumes of the patronisation provided by RSS/BJP to them.

Following the Supreme Court verdict, the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands that a comprehensive law be enacted in the current session of parliament to meet the apex court direction: “It is the duty of the State to ensure maintenance of law and order so as to protect secular ethos and prevent mobocracy.”