Will give up politics if brother found guilty: Radheshyam
Source: Chronicle News Service

Thoubal, December 25 2021: While terming the naming of his younger brother as one of the accused in the FIR filed in connection with the death of student Ningthoujam Rohit as an act of politicising the incident; Heirok AC Thokchom Radheshyam has declared that he will retire from politics if his younger brother is round guilty in the police investigation.

Speaking to newspersons at his residence on Saturday, MLA Radheshyam expressed deep condolences over the death of Rohit, while adding that the most sorrowful matter is that Rohit is his nephew.

He then prayed for Rohit's soul to rest in peace.

Expressing embarrassment over the increasing incidents of poll violence in Heirok AC, Radheshyam remarked that Heirok is infamous for violent incidents and being an elected representative, he has been appealing to all concerned to refrain from resorting to violent means.

Recounting the day of the incident, the MLA said that he was in Delhi attending a meeting of the Indian Olympics Association and returned home on the night of December 22.If he had been present, the incident would not have occurred at all.

Stating that the recent incident has further affected the reputation of Heirok AC, Radheshyam urged for keeping aside politics and instead work together to uphold the positive image of Heirok AC.

He further appealed to all concerned to prevent a repeat of similar incidents in the future and avoid sowing discord amongst the people, just to win the elections.

"We may come from different political parties but we are all brothers and sisters in the end," he pointed out and appealed to workers of all political parties not to indulge in violence.

The MLA then expressed his dismay over the delay in delivering justice in the recent incidents of violence in Heirok, including assault of a scribe and a former pradhan, adding that no action has been taken up in any of the matters even after the registration of FIRs.

Radheshyam also recalled the brutal assault on the driver of his father, for which he had approached the CM and also urged the people to maintain peace and calm.

He continued: "I do not like violence in any form.

However, instead of ensuring peaceful conduct of political rallies, some people have been deliberately trying to poke at political loopholes and attacking my personal life.

I do not have any negative record during my entire police career.

Thus, it would be best for all of us to keep aside our political differences and work together to ensure justice is served in Rohit's death.

"I have always worked for the people.

But now, my brother, who is not involved in the incident, has been mentioned as an accused in the FIR, in accordance with the wishes of some people to politicise the matter.

Nonetheless, if my brother is found to be truly guilty after the police investigation, I will retire from politics.

The police investigation will surely bring out the actual truth of the case.

"If my brother is found guilty, I will not be the person who will shield him.

I understand there is a general perception among the masses that the matter would be covered up as he is a BJP MLA.

However, for me, if my kin has done any wrong, they should get the due punishment.

The people should also avoid accusing innocent people who are not involved in the incident and allow the legal process to be carried out smoothly," he said, while informing that he was the one who had personally contacted the other 5 accused after they were named as accused and handed them over to the SP.

MLA Radheshyam then urged all concerned to stop trying to portray him in bad light and instead work together to discuss preventive measures regarding such incidents.

He also remarked that the incident might have not occurred if the police had paid more attention by identifying the hotspots for violence, most of which are centred in the areas of candidates of BJP and Congress.

The MLA further appealed to the CM and the police department for deployment of additional forces in the hypersensitive areas.

Remarking that many people involved in previous incidents are yet to be apprehended, Radheshyam mentioned some prominent Congress workers who have licensed guns, while recalling that requests were made to arrest them in the past.

If the said workers had been arrested earlier and their guns seized, the incidents may not have occurred in the first place, considering the FIRs registered against them.

"It does not matter if the person is related or not.

If he/she is involved in any illegal act, they must be summoned and their guns must be seized.

CCTV footages are proof that the people who are in possession of guns are Congress workers.

It is not right to put the blame on BJP for anything Congress has done.

All incidents of violence will slow down if the government were to apprehend all of them", the MLA contended.

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