Of Diwali and a tradition of crimes

For those in the wrong side of law among some tribes, they believe in the convention that striking on Diwali night will bring prosperity to them throughout the year.

The members of the Kanjar and Pardhi tribes who fall in this bracket had been following the age-old tradition to plot major strike on the night of Diwali or the next night.

The gang had committed major crimes earlier in Chhattisgarh. Earlier, the gang used to strike only on Diwali night and next night to continue with the tradition their ancestors had set, senior police officer A B Singh said.

"It's not the case now. They are now committing unlawful activities throughout the year," he added.

 

For the past few years, the members of the gang--originating from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, had not struck in the state.

But they are on the move and look for opportunity to hit on the Diwali night so that their business can prosper till the next festival of lights, Singh added.

The strike on the Diwali night has other significances for the members since people prefer to bring out ornaments for performing puja in the house, increasing their booty.

As the members live with comfort, this has set the convention among them that committing crime on Diwali night will bring prosperity for them throughout the year, said a senior retired police officer.

Kanjar and Pardhi tribes have many such conventions.

While committing crime, they will attack the family members in the house even if the latter surrender everything. For, they believe that it is their labour to attack and booty collected is their hard-earned assets, the official added.

Chhattisgarh Police can at least heave a sigh of relief as the members did not experiment their custom here this year.