Dehradun, 21 Dec: The main victim of the 20 May 2016 temple entry violence that saw high caste Hindus pelting stones at the then sitting MP, Tarun Vijay, opposing his effort to have Dalits enter a temple unhindered in Jaunsar Bawar, had his statements recorded after nine years in the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Sanjay Kumar in Dehradun on 19 December.
He won appreciation of all present in the court by saying he harbours no ill will towards any accused in the temple entry violence even though they he and his companions could have been killed. A Hindu should not become an enemy of another Hindu, he emphasised. “The temple doors have now opened for everyone—my mission has been successful,” he declared.
Tarun Vijay’s statements were recorded in court nine years after the Jaunsar Dalit violence case.
Tarun Vijay stated that he is a follower of the ideals of Dr Hedgewar and Dr Ambedkar. For this reason, with the objective of promoting social harmony and to end caste discrimination prevalent in Hindu society, he had gone to the temple in Pokhri village along with Scheduled Caste workers, including Daulat Kunwar. Those who rained stones on them committed a mistake, but he was satisfied that the temple doors have now opened for everyone. His mission was successful.
He claimed that, now, he holds no grudge against any of the stone-pelting attackers. He is also not in favour of any action against anyone. Hindus should correct their mistakes and bring harmony to Hindu society—that is his only intent.
The advocates present heartily praised his statement.
Tarun Vijay’s side was presented by government prosecutor Sangeeta Singh. Along with Tarun Vijay were Senior Advocate Subhash Virmani’s assistant advocates Jatin Kumar, Chandra Verma, and Jahnavi Khali.
