RTI Activists’ ‘Ghotala Rath Yatra’ Disrupted in Rajasthan, FIRs Filed

A procession organised by Right to Information (RTI) activists in Rajasthan’s Beawar was disrupted on Sunday following objections to posters referring to alleged irregularities in donations to the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The confrontation reportedly involved allegations of manhandling and threats, with both sides filing police complaints.

The incident occurred near Chang Gate during the annual ‘Ghotala Rath Yatra’, organised by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) as part of events marking 21 years of the RTI Act.

RTI activist Nikhil Dey alleged that a group of right-wing activists stopped the procession, abused participants and manhandled several people, including women. He said two persons underwent medical examinations following the incident. Dey denied allegations that the procession featured slogans against any religion or political party. He said the rally carried posters highlighting alleged scams involving different governments, including references to alleged irregularities in donations to the Ram temple.

“There was nothing against any religion or political party,” Dey said, adding that the annual procession aimed to raise awareness about corruption and accountability. However, BJP MLA Shankar Singh Rawat, who represents Beawar, alleged that participants raised slogans against the Ram temple, the BJP, the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hurting the religious sentiments of local residents. He said he visited the police station after learning about the incident.

Beawar City police station SHO Ashutosh Pandey confirmed that both sides had lodged FIRs. Additional Superintendent of Police Anukriti said an argument had broken out between local residents and RTI activists and that police were investigating the matter.

In a statement, the MKSS alleged that participants were assaulted during the procession and that another activist, Rahul, was attacked outside the police station. The organisation demanded action against those responsible and protection for the participants. The activists had gathered in Beawar, regarded as a birthplace of the RTI movement, for programmes ahead of RTI Day on October 12. Dey said disagreements should be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.