Already facing Opposition's flak over law and order situation in the state, the BJP government came under attack from one of its own MLAs who accused the Gonda Police of corruption, shielding criminals and "not acting" in cases of alleged atrocities on the Dalits.
Paltu Ram, BJP MLA from Balrampur Sadar Seat, said no one listens to the Dalits when they visit police stations with their grievances.
He directly attacked Gonda Superintendent of Police.
"Law and order of the Gonda district has collapsed under the present Superintendent of Police. Instead of taking action against criminal elements, police are taking bribe and shielding them," he said in a letter, which he released to the media here.
He said that in Tarabganj area of Gonda, Ramai Kori, a Dalit, was shot at on June 4 and died during treatment on June 9. But, the police has "failed" to arrest those involved in his "murder", he said.
"(The) SP, Gonda, was threatening the Dalits and not (taking) action on those who are attacking them," he said.
If no action is taken to stop "atrocities" on the Dalits, he said, he will launch an agitation to ensure justice for them.
"I will meet Chief Minister Adityanath with the family of Ramai Kori tomorrow and he will be apprised about the reality of the Gonda police," he said.
Opposition parties have been attacking the BJP government over law and order issue.
Samajwadi Party spokesman Rajendra Chowdhury said, the state government has "failed" on the law and order front and the criminals are having a "field day".
Congress state president Raj Babbar recently attacked the Yogi government saying, "In UP, anti-social elements are ruling the roost and the government has failed to check their activities".
Over the past few months, the state has recorded several incidents suggesting a poor and law and order situation.
Saharanpur has witnessed caste clashes, while in Bulandshahr, a Muslim man was beaten to death over alleged kidnapping of a Hindu girl triggering communal tension.
In Mathura, two jewellers were shot dead inside their shops leading to a state-wide protest by gold traders, while in Sitapur, three members of a businessman's family were shot dead.
Facing a relentless Opposition criticism on the issue, the state government yesterday directed district police heads and administration to ensure effective checks on crime and criminals by increasing patrol and surprise checks.
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