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Delhi police probe farmer suicide at AAP rally, heat on Kejriwal

by IBNS 23 Apr 2015, 09:38 am

New Delhi, Apr 23 (IBNS): The Delhi Police Crime Branch will probe the suicide of a farmer at an Aam Aadmi Party rally in the heart of the capital even as blame game continued over the tragedy, including protests outside the residence of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, for his decision to continue with the rally where the tragedy occurred right in front of their eyes.

The man- 40-year-old Gajendra Singh from Rajasthan's Dausa- hanged himself from a tree on Wednesday afternoon as hundreds watched in horror but without acting at the AAP rally.

 Police said a case against unnamed persons have been registered for abetment, and death due to negligence, said reports.

Reports said Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh met the Delhi Police chief BS Bassi and Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung over the issue.

 
The body of Gajender Singh has been taken to Dausa district to his family.

According to an NDTV report, before committing suicide, he had flung something like a purported suicide note at the crowd, in which he had written: "I am a farmer's son. My father drove me out of the house because my crop failed. I have three children. I am from Rajasthan. Please tell me, how do I go home? Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan."

Earlier, a political blame game had started with the BJP accusing the AAP of forgetting humanity while continuing to address the rally as the farmer committed suicide right in front of them.

AAP alleged that the tragedy occurred owing to police inaction and there was an attempt to sabotage their rally.

Arvind Kejriwal said the police could have saved the man but did not. Police said they had warned against holding the rally at the venue because of over-crowding. 

Congress leader Sachin Pilot, who is an MP from Rajasthan, said the incident "speaks volumes about the people who are protesting for farmers."

Earlier, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Ashutosh on Wednesday evening apologised  for his remark on the farmer committing suicide at their rally.

"I am extremely sorry for my statement . And apologise for that," he tweeted.

Ashutosh, during a press conference, lashed out at the media over criticisms for the AAP workers, who were slammed for continuing the rally even after the mishap.

"It was the mistake of Arvindji that he did not climb up the tree to save him (farmer). Next time, I'll ask the Delhi Chief Minister to climb up the tree," he said.