Jat stir violence in Rohtak a conspiracy: Khattar

He said that a judicial commission appointed by his govt to probe the violence would identify those responsible

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday said that the arson in Rohtak town during the Jat agitation for reservations in February could not have happened without political conspiracy.

"It (violence) was not possible without a political conspiracy and this act of demonic mentality should be highly condemned," Khattar said.

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• Newsmaker: Manohar Lal Khattar

The chief minister visited the violence-hit parts of Rohtak, 70 km from Delhi, to see the properties set afire or damaged by protesters.

Khattar said he was "shocked and dumbfounded" to see state Finance Minister Capt. Abhimanyu's house that was burnt by the mob.

"After seeing his (burnt) house, one can say it was not possible without a political conspiracy. The incidents of arson are part of a conspiracy. The lives of the members of the (minister's) family were in danger," Khattar said.

Sindhu Bhawan, with which the minister's family had strong links, was also destroyed in the violence. Rare books and records were destroyed in the mayhem.

"I have come to Rohtak to see the damaged properties of the people. The economic loss can be compensated, but the people have been badly hurt, their flourishing businesses reduced to ashes," said Khattar.

He said a judicial commission appointed by his government to probe the violence would identify those responsible.

The chief minister was shown black flags by Rohtak residents during his visit here on February 23.

At least 30 people were killed and over 320 others injured in the violence that affected 10 districts in February. Private and government property worth hundreds of crores was also damaged.

Trade body Assocham pegged the losses at around Rs 20,000 crore.