1980 Bhagalpur blindings

Aftermath and response

On 2 December 1980, during a session of the Rajya Sabha, the issue was debated for over three hours. Members of the Opposition described the act as a barbaric attack by the police. Despite Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's expression of deep agony and the Home Minister's acceptance of responsibility, several Opposition parties staged a walkout, demanding a more action. The government announced an inquiry into the incident and Gandhi decide to give an ex-gratia payment of $2000 to each of the victims, though these measures were considered insufficient by many MPs.