Jamshedpur, April 14: In a surprising turn of events, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Arjun Munda on Friday met party leader Abhay Singh at the Ghaghidih central jail where he is lodged following the recent communal riots in Kadma.
The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs spent some time at the central jail while talking to Abhay Singh, two others present during the occasion were party leaders Shailendra Singh and Bari Murmu.
According to the leaders accompanying the central minister, the jailed leader Abhay Singh is learned to have informed Munda about the circumstances that led the administration to arrest him despite he had never been to Kadma in the recent past.
Singh was allegedly involved in inciting violence during a political rally, resulting in injuries and damage to public property.
Speaking to the media outside the jail, Munda defended his visit, stating that it was a humanitarian gesture to check on the well-being of a party worker and that he was confident of Singh’s innocence. He also emphasised that the law must take its course and that he was not interfering with the legal proceedings.
However, opposition parties and some legal experts have criticized Munda’s actions, stating that it sets a dangerous precedent and sends a wrong message to the public. They argue that elected officials should not intervene in legal matters and should let the judicial system work independently without any political influence.
Meanwhile, the police authorities have stated that the investigation into the riot case is ongoing, and Singh’s arrest was made based on credible evidence. They have urged all parties to respect the legal process and not interfere in the investigation.
As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how it will impact the political landscape and the public’s perception of the role of elected officials in supporting individuals accused of criminal activities.
Abhay Singh who is convenor of Jamshedpur Central Ramnavami Akhara Samiti besides being in the BJP explained how he might have been implicated in a case for instigating communal violence at Shastrinagar in Kadma. Munda has assured Abhay Singh of all necessary help to ensure justice and his early release from the central jail.
Abhay Singh was arrested on the charge of instigating communal violence at Shastrinagar in Kadma and sent to jail on April 10 along with about 60 others.
Earlier, Jamshedpur MP and BJP leader Bidyut Baran Mahto had tried to meet Abhay Singh by visiting the central jail but the jail administration did allow him to meet the BJP leader.