WBCPCR summons Bajrang Dal leaders over arms show involving children

Kolkata: The West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights (WBCPCR) has summoned two senior representatives of Bajrang Dal from Purulia, in connection with the incident of engaging children with arms in a Ram Navami procession.

It may be mentioned that the commission had written to all the district magistrates, to take necessary steps to keep children away from arms while taking part in the processions. The commission had sent a letter to the district authorities in this connection on Friday.

In his preliminary report to the commission, the district magistrate of Purulia stated that around 10 children were found carrying arms when they were taking part in a procession.

Based on the preliminary report, the commission has summoned Suraj Sharma, district coordinator of Bajrang Dal and Gourab Singh, the additional district coordinator.

They have been asked to appear before the commission on April 12 at around 11 am, when they will be asked to give an explanation for allowing children to carry arms while taking part in the procession.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday also criticised the move in which arms were given in the hands of children during the rally, just to derive political benefit out of it.

She has also directed Surajit Kar Purkayastha, Director General of Police, to take strict action against such acts of "hooliganism".

Since children with arms in their hands were also found in the processions of Ram Navami in 2017, the commission had taken proactive steps this time and directed the district magistrates to check the same as well.

It may be mentioned that there have also been allegations of engaging children with arms in processions at some other places including Chandernagore in Hooghly district.

Though the commission has received the preliminary report from Purulia district authorities, it is waiting for the same from other districts. Necessary steps will be taken in case similar development is noticed in other districts.