Punish criminals but do not harbour bias against others, Nitish Kumar on Gujarat attacks

In an exodus, following attacks on North Indians in Gujarat after rape of a 14-month-old girl child in Sabarkantha district, non Gujaratis are leaving the state in huge numbers. North-Indians, especially those hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, were targeted and hate messages circulated against them on social media after a native of Bihar was arrested for allegedly raping the toddler on September 28.Union Minister Piyush Goyal sharply condemned the incident and has said that action has been taken against the rape accused.

Director General of Police Shivanand Jha said in an interaction with media that the migrants may be leaving for their native states in view of the upcoming festive season. "If people are leaving for home for a festival, it should not be seen otherwise. I have told my officers to visit residential areas, and if required, visit bus stands and railway stations and if people are found leaving due to fear, (then to) persuade them to come back," he said.

Police officials in Gandhinagar, the worst-affected district, have been directed to organise camps and communicate with local leaders to convince the people to stay, he said. Additional forces and vehicles are being provided in districts which have asked for them to ensure safety of the non-Gujarati residents, he added.

Piyush Goyal's statement:

Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday condemned the attack against North Indians in Gujarat in ABP News' summit Hindustan Poorvodaya. He said that strict action taken in rape case in Gujarat. He said: "I condemn attack on north-Indians in the state. I appeal for calm" .