Priyanka Gandhi to visit Sonbhadra to meet families of victims

The incident took place in Ubbha village of Ghorawal where the village head went to take possession of his land purchased two years ago

Priyanka Gandhi to visit Sonbhadra to meet families of victims

Priyanka Gandhi

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh today to meet the family members of those who were killed in firing over a land dispute on July 17.

Apart from meeting the family members, Priyanka is also expected to visit the place of the incident.

According to police, nine people were killed in the firing.

On the day of the incident, she had criticised the state government over the law and order situation.

Earlier, she took to Twitter and said, "In the BJP ruled state, the confidence of criminals is so high that broad day-light killings are continuously happening. The killing of 9 Gond tribesmen, including 3 women, by the land mafia in Umbha village of Sonbhadra is heart-wrenching. Administration and Chief Minister are all sleeping. Is this how the state will be crime-free?"

The incident had taken place in Ubbha village of Ghorawal where the village head went to take possession of his land purchased two years ago. However, he met with opposition from the villagers which triggered the firing allegedly by his aides leading to the deaths.

"Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the incident and expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. He directed the district magistrate of Sonbhadra to provide immediate medical attention to the injured," a statement from the Chief Minister's Office had stated.

Besides asking the Director General of Police (DGP) to personally monitor the case, Adityanath had told the officer to ensure effective action to catch the culprits.

Five people were arrested on July 18 in connection with the case.

On another note, Congress leader Anil Shastri on Thursday said that Priyanka Gandhi should be made the party president as no one other than her is "100 per cent acceptable."

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Edited by mid-day online desk with inputs from Agencies

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