Taking steps to curb dissent further, the police of Satna district in Madhya Pradesh arrested a shopkeeper, Hiru Sewani, for allegedly selling black balloons to protesters. The balloons were flown as a sign of protest against CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan who visited the city for a convention.
Members of non-SC/ST communities are opposing the BJP-ruled government in the state and centre for passing the new SC/ST Atrocities Act in Parliament which allows the arrest of an accused without investigation. The section of the act which allowed arrest without investigation was termed ultra vires by Supreme Court in March this year, but it was reintroduced by the BJP government by bringing in a new legislation in the Parliament in August this year.
On September 18, CM Shivraj Singh had visited Satna to address a convention of backward classes organised by the BJP in view of the current opposition to the government. Backward classes are at the forefront opposing the new SC/ST Atrocities Act.
When Singh was in Satna, thousands of people gathered to oppose him by shouting slogans and showing black flags. Some of the protesters even flew black coloured balloons as a symbol of protest. Hundreds were injured when police beat the protesters.
Later, police registered cases against several protesters including Hiru Sewani who was accused of selling the black balloons. Sewani was arrested and sent to court where he was released on bail. The traders association of Satna has objected to the arrest of Sewani as he was merely selling a commodity from his shop.
CM Singh is facing heavy opposition from all over the state due to BJP's stand on the SC/ST Act. A slipper was hurled at him in Sidhi, while his election vehicle was attacked by stone-pelters at Churhat and Ujjain.
