Uttar Pradesh suffering from 'state-sponsored' crime: BJP

NEW DELHI: BJP today attacked the Samajwadi Party dispensation in Uttar Pradesh after a police sub-inspector was shot dead in an encounter in Greater Noida, alleging that the state was suffering from virtually "state- sponsored crime" and criminals were running "amok" with the "encouragement" from the government.

The party claimed Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav government has "lost" popular support and would be depending on the support from criminals to win the assembly election next year and that is why it was not taking action against them.

"Criminals are so motivated that they are killing even uniformed personnel, what to talk of common man. It is virtually state-sponsored crime. The government does not act as it will depend on criminals to win the next elections. There is no governance in the state," BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

Expressing condolence over the death of police Sub-Inspector Akhtar Khan, he said the SP government would do nothing beyond paying compensation to the victim's family and cited the alleged murder of a journalist.

"The main accused in the case is a cabinet minister in UP government and no action was taken against him," he alleged.

Taking a dig at a section of intelligentsia, he said they were quick to attack the Narendra Modi government over the intolerance issues but are keeping quiet on a spree of murder in UP and alleged lack of action against the accused.