– Raheem Khan
Kota, March 18: Amin Pathan, General Secretary of Rajasthan Congress, was arrested on Sunday evening for obstructing government work and misbehaving with government officials. He was later produced before a judge, who sent him to judicial custody for 14 days.
The incident took place in Anantpura area of Kota district, where a team of Forest Department, Revenue Department, UIT and Police had gone to demarcate the land. It is alleged that Amin Pathan’s farmhouse is built on the land of Forest Department.
According to the police, when the team started the demarcation work, Amin Pathan and his wife Razia Pathan, along with 10-15 other people, came out of the farmhouse and started abusing and manhandling the officials. They also tried to stop the demarcation work.
Following a complaint from the Forest Ranger, a case was registered against Amin Pathan and his wife under various sections of IPC, including obstructing government work and using criminal force.
Amin Pathan was arrested from his house in Anantpura and produced before a judge in the evening. The judge sent him to judicial custody for 14 days.
Soon after Pathan’s arrest, a large number of his supporters gathered outside his house and court premises. They raised slogans against the government and demanded his release.
A well-known political figure in Rajasthan, Pathan has served as State President of BJP Minority Morcha, Chairman of Ajmer Dargah Committee and Rajasthan Haj Committee and Vice President of Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). He was considered close to Vasundhara Raje in BJP.
In December 2023, Pathan left BJP and joined Congress after being denied a ticket for the Assembly elections. He is currently serving as the General Secretary of Congress in Rajasthan.
Amin Pathan told the media that the government had taken action against him because he had raised his voice against the demolition of workers’ houses. He said the people would give a befitting reply in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Pathan’s arrest has become a political issue in Rajasthan. Congress has accused the BJP government of misusing power to target its political opponents. BJP, on the other hand, has said the law will take its own course. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday.
Anantpura markets closed on Monday in protest against the arrest of Pathan. Heavy police force deployed in the area.
The Block Congress Committee Kota South under the leadership of Block President Veerwal Jonty protested against the Rajasthan Government at Commerce College Circle on Monday. They have planned to burn an effigy.
