Rakesh Dalal Questions Government Over 2016 Jat Agitation After 56 Accused Are Acquitted Following CBI Probe

Hisar: Social activist Rakesh Dalal has questioned the Centre and Haryana Government over the 2016 Jat agitation, demanding accountability for the violence, alleged administrative failures and the outcome of the investigation. His statement comes amid Union Home Minister Amit Shah's 'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' march in Karnal.

Dalal, who has led campaigns on environmental protection, illegal mining and the conservation of Khajuraho's historic temples, said the government must explain who was responsible for the widespread violence that shook Haryana in February 2016.

According to Dalal, the agitation caused economic losses of more than Rs 34,000 crore and claimed over 35 lives. He also referred to an alleged attempt to set fire to the residence of a then Cabinet Minister in Rohtak while the minister's family was inside.

Why Were All 56 Accused Acquitted After the CBI Investigation?

Dalal said the Haryana Government had recommended a CBI investigation into the serious incidents. However, after nearly a decade of investigation and testimony from 127 witnesses, a special CBI court acquitted all 56 main accused in February 2026, citing a lack of sufficient evidence.

He questioned how such a lengthy investigation failed to establish the charges in court and demanded clarity on who should be held accountable for the outcome. He also asked whether the result reflected shortcomings in the investigation or other failures in the process.

Dalal said the people of Haryana deserve answers about the violence and the circumstances that led to the acquittals. The court's decision, however, does not by itself establish who was responsible for the wider unrest.

Questions Over Administrative Accountability

Referring to the Prakash Singh Committee report, Dalal claimed that it had raised concerns about the roles of more than 90 senior IAS and IPS officers and pointed to administrative failures during the unrest.

He asked what concrete action had been taken against officials who were criticised for their handling of the situation. He also questioned why action was allegedly limited to transfers and whether the government had adequately fixed administrative responsibility.

Government Development Claims Under Scrutiny

Dalal also questioned the government's development claims, referring to the limited aerodrome operations at Hisar International Airport and concerns over the law-and-order situation. He alleged that there was a gap between official announcements and conditions on the ground, adding that people expected measurable results rather than promises.

Justice and Transparency Are Essential for Democracy

Dalal maintained that democracy could not be strengthened through rallies, slogans and marches alone, arguing that justice, transparency and accountability were equally important. He said his campaigns for environmental protection, action against illegal mining and the preservation of Khajuraho's heritage had strengthened his commitment to continuing the fight for accountability in Haryana.

He has now sought a clear response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Haryana Government on the 2016 violence, the alleged administrative lapses and the outcome of the CBI investigation. Dalal asked when the people affected by the unrest would receive answers and justice.