Dalit outfits, social organisations, and the Bahujan Samaj Party carried out protests in Sangrur district of Punjab on Sunday over the death of a 37-year-old Dalit man who succumbed to his injuries after being beaten and forced to drink urine by upper caste people.
The protesters, led by the Zamin Prapati Sangrash Committee(ZPSC) are on an indefinite blockade of the Sangrur-Jakhal state highway, demanding a government job for the deceased’s kin and Rs 50 lakh compensation for his family. The family of the deceased has refused permission to conduct a post-mortem until a written assurance for their demands is given. They have also started a sit-in protest at the PGI in Chandigarh on Sunday.
“We want compensation worth Rs 50 lakh. The way they tortured my husband is third-degree torture. The government needs to compensate us,” Manjeet Kaur, victim’s wife, was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
Jagmale Singh, a resident of Changali Wala village in Sangrur, reportedly had an altercation with Rinku(one of the accused) and others on October 21. While the issue was resolved then, on November 7, the victim reported to the police that he was called to Rinku’s house where they discussed the issue. He later alleged that he was tied to a pillar by four people, thrashed with a stick and iron rod, and forced to drink urine. Jagmale is survived by his wife and three children.
“The incident happened on Thursday, November 7, but the FIR was lodged on November 12. This shows the callous attitude of the police towards such a serious crime,” alleged Sunam MLA Aman Arora, who was also present at the dharna organised by the ZPSC.
Meanwhile, Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, Punjab Cabinet Minister, has assured the family of Rs 8.25 lakh compensation. “As per SC/ST Act we are ready to give Rs 8.25 lakh compensation, Rs 5,000 plus DA (dearness allowance) monthly pension to the widow, a government job to a family member, free education to kids at a government institution and a house or agriculture land to the family. We are in talks with the family. No doubt that it is a heinous crime and the culprits will not be spared at any cost,” he was quoted by the media.
As per reports, all four accused in the case – Amarjeet Singh, Rinku, Lucky and Binder – have been arrested under Section 302(punishment for murder) of the Indian Penal Code and also under kidnapping, wrongful confinement and relevant sections of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh To Ensure Justice
Amarinder Singh, Punjab Chief Minister, on Sunday directed the state’s top officials to ensure speedy, time-bound investigations and trial against the men responsible for Jagmale’s death. He also spoke to Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh and DGP Dinkar Gupta to ensure stringent punishment within three months.
An official spokesperson also said that the Chief Minister, who is currently out of India, also asked the deceased’s family to call off the protest and said that the state government would ensure justice. Stating that the issue was humanitarian and a grave crime, he also added that political parties should not politicise the issue.
“My govt is committed to protecting Dalits and will take all necessary steps to ensure stringent & exemplary punishment. This crime won’t go unpunished,” Amarinder tweeted on Sunday, November 17.
Have directed CS & DGP to ensure investigation & trial within 3 months against all responsible for the death of Jagmale Singh. My govt is committed to protecting Dalits & will take all necessary steps to ensure stringent & exemplary punishment. This crime won’t go unpunished.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) November 17, 2019
