Dushyant Chautala's U-Turn On Nuh Violence? Blames Admin, Defends Haryana Govt Over "One-Sided Action" Allegations

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala indicated shortcomings in the administration's assessment of the situation in Nuh district where communal violence erupted on 31 July.

Chautala addressed reporters, stating, "The administration... did not adequately evaluate the entire incident. The Nuh SP (now transferred) was on leave since 22 July. The one who had the additional charge couldn't properly assess it, and even the officials who granted permission for the religious procession didn't assess it properly. This is a point that's under investigation." He was responding to whether there was intelligence failure in assessing the situation.

He further shared that the additional DGP (law and order) confirmed that the organizers of the religious procession had obtained permission for a gathering of 3,200 people, and the police force was accordingly deployed. "Had the organizers provided a higher estimate, more force could have been allocated. It's the responsibility of the organizers to accurately estimate their numbers," Chautala stated.

The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) leader had previously mentioned that the organizers of the religious procession hadn't provided an accurate estimate of the expected turnout to the district administration, potentially contributing to the violence.

These comments seemed to place blame on the organisers of the religious rally, who have connections to the BJP, which contradicted his partner BJP CM Manohar Lal Khattar's stance, who expressed his suspicion of a conspiracy behind the clashes. 

However, now Chautala has defended the demolition drive by the state government in Nuh stating that no one-sided action was taken as he personally got a call from one Jain whose shop was also demolished.

He also welcomed the Punjab and Haryana High Court's intervention, which ordered a halt to the demolition drive in Nuh, and agreed that people should be served notices before demolition.

Regarding the communal clashes, Chautala mentioned that this was the first instance of such clashes in Haryana. He stated that it's gradually becoming clear who was behind the planning. If administrative failures are found, action will be taken. He refrained from commenting on what happened or why, emphasizing that the police should investigate. He assured that anyone involved, whether political, official, or anti-social, will be held accountable.

Addressing allegations of "one-sided action" in Nuh, the JJP leader emphasized that those being arrested do not belong to a specific caste or community. He stated that it's incorrect to claim that only one community is being targeted.

Chautala also highlighted the government's efforts to control the situation within seven hours of the clashes. He mentioned that efficiency played a role in curbing anti-social elements and preventing the situation from escalating further.

The deputy CM concluded by emphasizing that strict action will be taken against all those involved in the planned communal atmosphere, regardless of their age or role.

He addressed the attack on the cybercrime police station, stating that the alleged intention to destroy evidence by setting the police station on fire can't be fulfilled.

"These are the times of Cloud computing. If anybody had this intention that they would evade police action by setting on fire police station….they are mistaken. Their faces have been captured on CCTVs and arrests are being made,” Chautala said.