After Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi took the lead amongst opposition parties in raising the voice against Sonbhadra massacre, the BSP also sent a delegation in a bid to woo the victims by announcing a compensation of Rs 50 lakh each and 10 bigha land to the affected families and 5 bigha land each to the injured. However, the BSP delegation refused to confirm the same to mediapersons.

Earlier, Priyanka had assured the kin of the deceased a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who earlier announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the victims’ families, later raised it to Rs 18.5 lakh during his visit to Sonbhadra on Sunday.

Sources said that leader of BSP in Assembly Lalji Verma along with state party chief RS Kushwaha, met the family members of the deceased and expressed shock at the government’s apathy. They alleged that the government was responsible for the massacre. 

Verma also conveyed party’s full support to the bereaved families and assured them compensation. He also demanded that an Intermediate college be opened in Umbha village, where the massacre took place, as also a police outpost so that villagers could feel secure.

When asked, Kushwaha said that after visiting the scene, they would submit a report to Mayawati after which announcements could be made. On whether Mayawati would also visit the village, Kushwaha remained non-committal. Earlier, the BSP delegation was stopped by the administration and later, only 20 members were allowed to proceed to the village to meet the affected families.