5 Muslim MLAs protest against Aurangabad riots

MUMBAI: Five Muslim MLAs from three parties sat on a protest ‘dharna’ on the steps of the Mantralaya on Tuesday, seeking strong action against the perpetrators of the recent Aurangabad riots. The legislators had sought an appointment with Chief Minister Mr.  Devendra Fadnavis to discuss their demands, but when the CM did not grant them an audience, they squatted on the steps and  staged a protest.

Those who participated in the protest were AIMIM’s Imtiyaz Jaleel and Waris Pathan, Congress’ Asif Sheikh and Abdul Sattar and Samajwadi Party’s Abu Azmi. Later, the CM gave them time for a meeting on late Tuesday evening. The Muslim MLAs of these three parties had sought an appointment of CM Fadnavis to hand over proofs regarding the perpetrators of Aurangabad riots last week.

Aurangabad city had seen vicious riots on May 12. Almost 100 shops were gutted and many vehicles destroyed in the riots. A few video clippings on the riots are being widely circulated through the social media. These MLAs wanted to give a copy of the clippings to Mr Fadnavis and request for a thorough probe.

“We wanted to give him the video clips and other evidences. It is now clear that this riot was politically motivated. We wanted to make him aware as he is also the home minister of the state”, said Mr Jaleel. According to him, despite attempts, the CM’s office did not allow them to meet the CM, Mr. Fadnavis.

“Currently the probe and action taken post the riots in Aurangabad, is not satisfying. We want the main culprit to be punished.” said Congress MLA Abdul Sattar.