VHP, Bajrang Dal hold protest in Nagpur demanding removal of Minorities Commission chief Pyare Khan

Activists of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal held a protest on Monday at Badkas Chowk in the city, demanding the immediate removal of Pyare Khan, chairman of the Maharashtra State Minorities Commission. They demanded that the various cases against him be investigated.

The protesters warned that if the government did not take Khan's resignation immediately and meet their demands, an intense agitation would be launched across the state. During the protest, they levelled several serious allegations against Khan and demanded an impartial inquiry.

The activists alleged that Khan sheltered terror elements, made illegal occupations, committed financial irregularities, promoted illegal business and aided cattle smuggling. They also alleged that he sheltered the accused in the Paratwada sexual harassment case and misused his government post.

The VHP claimed there is about 5 acres of land on Wardha Road, valued at around Rs 200 crore. According to the VHP, Khan and his associates have illegally occupied this land. It said a blue tin shed and a builder's board stand on the site, and that no inquiry has been held so far.

VHP's Amol Thakre, Raju Pawnarkar, Nilkant Gupta and Prem Iramnani were present at the protest. Bajrang Dal convener Shubham Arkhel and Rahul Naranware, along with a large number of office-bearers and activists, also took part.

The VHP and Bajrang Dal activists submitted a memorandum to local administrative officials, demanding a high-level and impartial inquiry into the entire matter.

Leaders of both organisations said clearly that they would not stay silent if no concrete step was taken soon or if strict action was not taken against the accused. They said the protest would not remain confined to one city in the coming days but would be carried out in phases across the state. According to the leaders, the state government and the local administration would bear full responsibility for this.