Jignesh Mewani detained at Jaipur airport

Jaipur: Independent MLA and dalit leader from Gujarat Jignesh Mewani was taken into custody as soon as he landed at Sanganer Airport in Jaipur on Sunday. He was detained for more than two hours and also barred from participating in any programme or from making any statement till April 30.

Mr Mewani was on his way to Merta City in Nagaur district to attend an event to commemorate the 127th birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar where the latter’s grandson, Prakash Ambedkar, was also invited. However, the district administration of Nagaur banned his entry and imposed prohibitory orders on Saturday night.

In a statement issued to the press earlier on Sunday, Mr Mewani said, “Immediately after I landed at the Jaipur airport, a few cops made me sign a letter saying MLA Jignesh Mewani’s entry is restricted in entire Nagaur district. I was going there to talk about Baba Saheb Ambedkar and the Constitution. This is violative of my fundamental rights. If they can do this to an elected representative, then what must be the condition of an ordinary citizen and Dalits in Vasundhara Raje’s rule?”

In the letter, ACP Nitindeep Blaggan cited criminal cases against him in the past for disturbing peace and creating caste animosity. He said that if Mr Mewani was allowed to participate and speak in the programme, it would adversely affect peace and harmony in Jaipur. Hence, he was barred from participating in any event and giving speech or issuing any statement.