Property damaged during VHP’s pro-CAA rally, Jharkhand govt to compensate 91

The Jharkhand government last month amended a 2010 resolution by the state’s Home Department to add communal tension, violence or riot as a cause for compensation. Earlier, compensation could be given only for property damaged in “terrorist/militant/casteist attacks”.

The process of handing out compensation to the 91 people will begin by the end of this month. They will be given a total of Rs 51 lakh.

The clashes in Lohardaga took place on January 23, 2020, when members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad took out a procession in support of CAA. During the rally, a clash broke out, leading to several shops and houses belonging to both communities being damaged. A curfew was imposed for more than a week, and more than 25 people were arrested.

“We will soon start the process to compensate Rs 51.53 lakh to 91 people from both Hindu and Muslim communities, whose shops, motorcycles or other belongings were damaged by arson attacks during the communal clashes in 2020,” Lohardaga Deputy Commissioner Waghmare Prasad Krishna said.

A notification of the Home Department signed by Additional Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar stated: “In view of the seriousness of the matter… compensation (will be given) for loss of property of 91 persons affected by stone pelting, arson and communal tension arising during the procession taken out in support of CAA under the banner of Vishwa Hindu Parishad…”

The Jharkhand government has maintained that the proposal is based on the condition that it will not be considered a precedent, and that every case of “special nature” will require the approval of the Cabinet.

Earlier this year, neighbouring West Bengal had passed a Bill to attach properties of people accused of looting, arson, and damaging property in order to pay compensation to the victims. Uttar Pradesh has also taken steps to attach properties of people accused of damaging property during anti-CAA protests.