Lucknow: A video of former MP Dhananjay Singh, wanted in a murder case and carrying a reward of Rs 25,000, has created a storm in Uttar Pradesh, with the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Wednesday accusing the ruling BJP of protecting criminals.
The video shows Dhananjay Singh inaugurating cricket match, apparently in Kariyaon village in Jaunpur district on January 3. He inaugurated the match and left after getting his picture clicked with the players.
Asked about the video, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Mukul Goel said: "An inquiry will be conducted and action will be taken."
Accusing the BJP of patronizing mafias, the Samajwadi Party tweeted: "Mafia associated with the Chief Minister are 'playing' cricket. Mafia Dhanajay Singh, carrying a cash reward of 25,000, is enjoying the game under the open sky right under the nose of the police. The 'bulldozer' of the 'double engine' government is ignorant about his whereabouts. People are watching everything."
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav took a jibe while sharing the video of Dhananjay Singh and said the Chief Minister should form a 'MBL'.
He tweeted: "Babaji (Yogi) should form a team of his close top 10 mafias and on the lines of the IPL should start a 'MBL' -- meaning 'Mafia BJP League'. Police chief of the city has already laid the pitch and he (the CM) himself is the captain.... So 11 (players) are there."
BJP state President Swatantra Dev Singh refuted the allegation. "No criminal is patronised in the BJP government."
On January 4, 2021, representative of a block head in Mau district, Ajeet Singh, was shot dead near Kathauta Jheel in Vibhuti Khand area of Gomti Nagar in Lucknow. Twenty-two rounds were fired on him.
During investigation, the name of one Girdhari alias Doctor, who carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh on him, surfaced. He was arrested from Delhi. Girdhari was later killed in an alleged encounter with the police while he reportedly attempted to flee from their custody while being taken to recover the murder weapon.
During further investigation it came to light that former MP Dhananjay Singh had given shelter to another shooter and arranged his treatment. While the rest of the accused in the case were arrested or killed, Dhananjay Singh is still at large. (UNI)
