New Delhi, November 18
Bandit Queen II Seema Parihar today took a step towards public life when she joined the Indian Justice Party (IJP).
Ms Parihar, who remained in the Chambal ravines for over two decades and was party to the gangs of Lala Ram Chauhan and Narbhay Gujar, said circumstances beyond her control like her kidnapping at the age of 13 forced her to lead a life of a criminal.
"I wanted to live like an ordinary citizen ever since I attained maturity and developed understanding", she said and threw a poser saying that "If I had a nature of a dacoit or a criminal, I would have amassed huge wealth".
"Out of 29 cases pending against me, I have been acquitted in 23 and the remaining, which are under trial, would hopefully also be cleared", she said.
Ms Parihar said she wanted to take up women issues and fight caste discrimination and poverty".
Asked as why she decided to join the IJP, she said "I was impressed with Dr Udit Raj's sacrifice that at a young age, he resigned from the post of Additional Income Tax Commissioner to serve the society".
Realising that the IJP stood for compulsory education for all, casteless society and job for everyone. "I opted for this party", she said.
The IJP President Udit Raj, who admitted her to the party, said Ms Parihar's entry into the party became possible after clearance and recommendation of the party's Uttar Pradesh unit.
Mr Raj said Ms Parihar was not a criminal as she had not taken up guns on her choice rather was forced to do so after being kidnapped at the age
of 13.
