New Delhi: The family of a Bihar soldier, who was killed fighting the Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in 2020, has alleged that the soldier's father was thrashed and later arrested by police for building a memorial for his son on government land in Vaishali's Jandaha.
The martyred soldier's family claimed that Raj Kapoor Singh, father of the late Jai Kishore Singh, was arrested from his home in Kajari Bujurg village in the Vaishali district.
Speaking about the incident, Singh's brother said, "DSP ma'am had visited and told us to remove the statue within 15 days. Later police station in charge came to our home and arrested my father and also beat him. I am also an armed forces personnel," according to ANI.
Police, however, denied the allegations. SDPO Mahua noted, "On Jan 23, a case was registered under SC/ST Act over a statue being erected on the land of Hari Nath Ram & on govt land in Jandaha. Later, walls bordering the statue were built. Landowner's rights being violated due to illegal encroachment."
Raj Kapoor Singh, who is currently in judicial custody, has been booked under Sections 188 (disobedience causing danger to human life), 323 (causing hurt voluntarily), 504 (causing public disturbance) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC, besides provisions of the SC/ST Act.
Police further noted that action was taken after neighbour, Harinath Ram, who owns 25 kathas (0.78 acres) of land next to the memorial, filed an FIR on February 23 alleging the structure had been built 'without any government permission,' according to Indian Express.
The report further stated that the 10 feet x 10 feet memorial was partially built on February 24 last year. The late soldier’s bust was erected on a piece of government land in front of his home and government officials attended the function. In December last year, a wall was raised around the bust.