Attack on Agnivesh: FIR registered against eight leaders associated with BJP

Agnivesh alleged the incident was a "pre-planned conspiracy" of the BJP government in the state.

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Ranchi: After Social Activist Swami Agnivesh was thrashed an kicked allegedly by BJP Yuva Morcha workers in Jharkhand's Pakur district, police on Wednesday arrested eight in connection with the case. At the police station, an FIR was registered against Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha, Kisan Morcha’s eight leaders and activists associated with the BJP. The social activist Agnivesh alleged the incident was a "pre-planned conspiracy" of the BJP government in the state. Those who were arrested are State Secretary of Indian Kisan Morcha Anand Kumar Tiwari, District President of BJYM Prasanna Mishra, BJP's Gopi Dubey, Balram Dubey, Ashok Prasad, Shivkumar Saha, Badal Mandal, Pintu Mandal The 79-year-old activist also demanded an inquiry by a sitting judge of the Jharkhand High Court. The attack, caught on camera, also echoed in the state Assembly. The Opposition parties staged a noisy protest, forcing adjournment of the House twice. The leader of the Opposition Hemant Soren demanded immediate arrest of the culprits. Swami Agnivesh gained fame in 2011 for being a part of the controversial reality TV show Bigg Boss 5 house. Before entering the house, Agnivesh had said in a press conference that he will use the show as a medium to create awareness on social issues.  The activist, however, landed himself in the middle of controversy when Arya Samaj threatened to ostracize him.