Gehlot orders probe into VHP charges against minister

According to sources, he had himself requested the Chief Minister for an inquiry to establish the truth about the charges levelled against him.

Leaders of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad had met Gehlot on August 30 and submitted a memorandum, claiming large-scale oppression of Hindus in Mewat region. They said Mewat had become a hotbed of ISI activities, and that the ISI was running a racket in counterfeit currency, cow slaughter, smuggling and illegal arms in the area.

The VHP leaders had alleged that Hussain was providing all cooperation and support to the anti-national and anti-social elements involved in such activities. They also accused a police officer, the DSP of Cama, Prahlad Singh Meena, of harbouring anti-Hindu sentiments.

Hussain reportedly met the Chief Minister the next day and requested him to order an inquiry into the matter to clear his name.

Gehlot yesterday ordered an inquiry by an SP (CID) in the matter. In another order, Meena was transferred from Cama.

Reports have been appearing in local newspapers about increasing ISI activities in Mewat region, covering Alwar and Bharatpur districts of Rajasthan following the recent fire at the Bharatpur ordinance depot.

About half-a-dozen alleged ISI agents, among them many Hindus, had been arrested from the area, particularly Alwar, during the months preceding the ordinance depot fire. Some of the accused were reportedly Defence personnel.

The proximity of Mewat to Delhi, the advantage of having a base in a border state and hopes of stirring up trouble in the region make Mewat a potentially useful region for the ISI to operate.

Mewat area derives its name from Meos. Till about a decade ago, the customs, rituals, festivals, and even names of Meos, who are Muslims, had remarkable similarities with those of Hindus. This was till communal outfits began their operations in the area.