Visuals of BJP MLA Ganesh Joshi lathi-charging the horse during BJP protest against state Government earlier today. pic.twitter.com/Ct2OQiLlRz
— ANI (@ANI_news) March 14, 2016
The horse was part of a 3,000-strong police force that was deployed in Dehradun to control a protest organised by the BJP against the Uttarakhand government. The protesters were marching towards the state legislature building when they were stopped by the police. Joshi apparently lost his cool and attacked the police horse with a lathi.
The horse has suffered serious injury and has got multiple fractures on its left leg.
“It seems the horse will no longer stand on its feet. We will register a case against those identified in the video footage,” Senior Superintendent of Police Sadanand Date told Hindustan Times.
He said if the condition worsens, the horse’s leg will have to be amputated, “but in that case, it will be impossible for Shaktimaan (the horse) to survive,” Date added.
Visuals of BJP MLA Ganesh Joshi lathi-charging the horse during BJP protest against state Government earlier today. pic.twitter.com/Ct2OQiLlRz
— ANI (@ANI_news) March 14, 2016
Director General of Police BS Siddhu said the police is closely examining the video clips of the incident and assured that those who found guilty of injuring the animal will be booked.
Later in the day, a case was filed against Joshi and about a dozen of his supporters under sections 429 and 188 of the Indian panel code.
Apart from other Congress leaders, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat too rushed to see the horse and condemned the BJP leader’s actions. Rawat has directed his staff to get in touch with veterinary doctors from Tamil Nadu and assured that his government will bear all the expenses to save the animal.
Dehradun: Chief Minister Harish Rawat inquires about health of the horse who was hit by BJP MLA Ganesh Joshi. pic.twitter.com/AmCQHrKU6e
— ANI (@ANI_news) March 14, 2016
“It is unfortunate that an animal, who can’t speak has been made target. This shows the frustration (of BJP), ” Rawat said.
Joshi denied the allegations. The MLA released two videos to prove that the cavalry police charged the party workers first.
घोड़े को लाठी मारने वालो की असली खबर।This video demonstrates the power of paid media and how gullible we are when it comes to believing things. This also shows how easy it is for the ruling party to manage the media and conveniently shift attention from relevant issues. Police officers rode on horses and chased the demonstrators. Normally this wouldn't be seen except in emergency situations, but then again the Uttarakhand police has proved how vulnerable it is in front of the dictatorial State government led by Shri. Harish Rawat Ji. Most media channels have been circulating the news that I hit a horse and injured it. Please watch this video to know the truth. I strongly condemn the action of the youth involved in this video for pulling on the horse, making the poor animal lose his balance and fall, thus injuring himself. I apologize on his behalf as this is against my personal and the party's principles. We belong to a party which is led by the likes of Maneka Gandhi and believe in treating animals like family. I urge you to take a moment to watch this video. I will continue to represent and fight for the interests of my constituents, humans and animals alike. These fabricated stories show the levels to which the State government of Uttarakhand will stoop to to grab public's attention.
Posted by Ganesh Joshi on Monday, 14 March 2016
“I am being framed by the Opposition as today’s BJP rally was a big success. It’s not me who has beaten the horse. Even video clips do not show this. If found guilty, I will leave politics,” he said.
Shaktimaan has been a police horse for seven years.
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