Gehlot condemns attack on RTI activists in Rajasthan

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot today condemned the attack on a team of social activists associated with noted anti-graft crusader Aruna Roy in Jhalawar district.
"Such incidents can happen only when anti-social elements are ensured that no legal action will be taken against them. Also, without political patronage, this was not possible," Gehlot said in a statement here.
He demanded strict action against the accused who allegedly beat up around 12 RTI activists while they were holding a road show on raising awareness about government accountability in Jhalawar district last night.
RTI activists Aruna Roy and Nikhil Dey are currently spearheading a 100-day 'yatra' across Rajashthan, during which several activists are also holding 'accountability fairs' and registering grievances along the way.

The 'yatra', that will cover all the districts of the state, started on December 1 last year from Jaipur, organised under the aegis of Soochana Evam Rozgar Adhikar Abhiyan.
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CPI(M) also condemned the attack and demanded immediate arrest of BJP MLA Kanwar Lal Meena and the other accused involved in the incident.
"This is a shameful incident. The activists were peacefully communicating with local people and they were attacked without any reason. The party feels that the incident occurred at the behest of the state government," a party statement read.