BJP MLA pays tribute to dacoit:Calls killer of 13 Gurjars his friend; says ‘we shared each other’s happiness and grief’

BJP MLA Pritam Lodhi, who represents the Pichhore Assembly constituency in Shivpuri district, has described notorious dacoit Rambabu Gadariya—accused of lining up and gunning down 13 Gurjars—as his friend. The legislator also offered floral tributes to Gadariya’s photograph during a programme organised on the birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. Addressing the gathering, Lodhi said, “We stood by each other in times of happiness and sorrow. I knew Rambabu’s circumstances very well. Some people in society harassed him so much that he was forced to become a dacoit. Otherwise, he was not the kind of person who would have chosen that path.” The remarks were made at a Pal-Baghel community event held in Pichhore, Shivpuri district. Folk singer Manoj Baghel was also present at the programme, which was attended by thousands of members of the community. The MLA’s statement has once again triggered political discussions. Lodhi has previously been in the spotlight for controversial remarks. Recently, he made comments against Karera SDOP Dr Ayush Jakhad, saying, “Karera does not belong to your father, SDOP. I will come to Karera and even contest elections there. If your father has the courage, let him stop me.” MLA said – Are dacoits and goons not human beings? Speaking from the stage, Lodhi said that a woman had once faced severe atrocities and that he had raised his voice in her support. He claimed to have led a protest involving 5,000 people and laid siege to the commissioner’s office. “At that time, people only saw that a goon was supporting a dacoit. But are dacoits and goons not human beings?” he said. The MLA further stated that Rambabu Gadariya was a victim of circumstances. “I knew his situation very well. Some people in society troubled him to such an extent that he was compelled to become a dacoit. Otherwise, he was not someone who would have turned into a bandit,” he added. We met in jail and in the forest Lodhi said he still remembers many incidents from Rambabu’s life. “I remember every detail, from his time in jail to his days in the jungle. We met in prison and we met in the jungle as well. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to garland Rambabu Gadariya’s photograph,” he said. Just as I supported Rambabu, I will similarly support the Pal-Baghel community The MLA said that just as he had stood by Rambabu’s family, he now pledged to support the Pal-Baghel community. “I will never step back. Our culture is neither to commit atrocities nor to tolerate them. Our identity is that we will neither do injustice nor endure injustice,” he said. Lodhi added, “When I stood by Rambabu, my hand weighed two-and-a-half kilos. Now you people have increased it to 250 kilos. My 250-kilo hand will always be ready to protect and defend you. Keep lighting one lamp from another and let the Ganga of love flow through Pichhore.” How did Rambabu become a notorious dacoit? Raghuvar Gadariya, Rambabu Gadariya, Dayaram, Gopal and Pratap were all related to one another. Rambabu was considered a member of the family. However, in 1998, a dispute arose involving Raghuvar’s wife. Enraged by the incident, Raghuvar, Rambabu and Dayaram allegedly murdered a relative and went into hiding. The killing created tension in the village. The then Gwalior SP, Pradeep Runwal, visited the village, after which four police personnel were deployed for security. Despite this, Raghuvar, Rambabu and Dayaram allegedly succeeded in killing another member of the family. Following the attacks, the victim’s family left the village.