Social Activist Raises Questions Over 'Save Democracy' March, Questions Government on the 2016 Jat Agitation, Administrative Failure and Role of Investigating Agencies
Hisar, November 5
Amid the 'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' march being led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Karnal, Haryana, renowned social activist Rakesh Dalal has raised several sharp questions before the Central and Haryana governments. Rakesh Dalal, who has led nationwide campaigns for environmental protection, against illegal mining, and for the preservation of the historic temples of Khajuraho, has issued a press statement demanding accountability over the violence during the 2016 Jat agitation in Haryana and the subsequent investigation.
Rakesh Dalal questioned that a government which is today raising slogans of eliminating anarchy and saving democracy must first explain who was actually responsible for the widespread violence that took place in Haryana in 2016. According to him, the agitation caused economic losses of more than Rs. 34,000 crore to the state, while over 35 people lost their lives. He also referred to the alleged attempt to set fire to the residence of a then Cabinet Minister in Rohtak, along with his family members inside.
No Answers Even After 10 Years of CBI Investigation
Dalal stated that, considering the seriousness of the matter, the investigation was recommended by the Haryana Government to be handed over to the country's premier investigating agency, the CBI. According to him, despite nearly 10 years of investigation and the examination of 127 witnesses, a special CBI court acquitted all 56 main accused in February 2026 due to a lack of evidence.
He questioned who should be held responsible when the charges could not be established in court even after such a lengthy investigation. Was it a failure of the investigating agencies, or was there an attempt to allow the matter to gradually fade away? He said the people of Haryana have the right to know who was actually responsible for the violence if sufficient evidence could not be established against the accused in court.
Questions Raised Over the Role of More Than 90 Officers
Referring to the report of the Prakash Singh Committee, the social activist said that the report had raised questions about the role of more than 90 senior IAS and IPS officers and pointed towards administrative failures.
He questioned what concrete action was taken against the officers who allegedly failed to discharge their responsibilities when the state was witnessing violence and unrest. Why was the action limited merely to transfers? Is fixing administrative accountability not the responsibility of the government?
Allegations of a Gap Between Claims and Ground Reality
Rakesh Dalal also questioned the government's claims regarding development in the state. Referring to the limited aerodrome operations in the name of Hisar International Airport and the law-and-order situation, he said there is a visible gap between the government's tall claims and the ground reality. People need results on the ground, not just announcements.
Democracy Can Be Strengthened Only Through Justice and Accountability
Rakesh Dalal said that democracy cannot be strengthened merely through rallies, slogans and marches. The real strength of democracy lies in justice, transparency and accountability. Until victims receive justice and those found guilty are punished, claims of saving democracy will remain incomplete.
He further said that just as he had fought long battles for environmental protection, against illegal mining and for the preservation of the country's historic heritage at Khajuraho, he would continue his struggle for justice and accountability in Haryana.
In conclusion, he asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah when the government would give the people clear answers regarding the 2016 violence, administrative failures and the outcome of the investigation. The people of Haryana want to know: When will the state finally get justice