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Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Tragic Incident Unfolds in Silai Badha Village
A 17-year-old Dalit youth lost his life in a violent clash that erupted over the installation of a board featuring B R Ambedkar’s photo on a piece of government land in Silai Badha village, located in the heart of Rampur. The Rampur police confirmed that two individuals were also injured in the altercation, which has left the local community reeling with shock and grief.
Details of the Incident
The unfortunate incident took place when a team from the district administration and the police made their way to Silai Badha village with the intention of removing the board that had declared the plot as ‘Ambedkar Park’. This board, which bore an image of the revered leader Dr. B R Ambedkar, had been erected approximately two months ago following the levelling of the land. However, members of the Kurmi community, who belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC), raised objections immediately after its installation and lodged a formal complaint with the district administration.
The clash that ensued involved stone-pelting and gunfire, resulting in the tragic death of Somesh, a young student, and injuries to two other individuals named Raheespal and Raman, both hailing from the Dalit community. The situation escalated quickly, with three government vehicles also being damaged in the process, according to a police officer familiar with the case.
Outcry and Demands for Justice
Following the fatal altercation, Somesh’s family members and local residents staged a protest in the village, demanding justice and accountability from the authorities. Their demands included a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the deceased’s family, Rs 10 lakh for the injured parties, and the immediate suspension of government officials allegedly involved in the incident.
Only after receiving assurances of support and the promise of stringent action against the perpetrators did Somesh’s family proceed with the final rites for the young victim. The District Magistrate, Jogindra Singh, assured the grieving family that a thorough investigation would be conducted to uncover the truth behind the tragic events that unfolded in Silai Badha village.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigations
On behalf of his son, Gedanlal, Somesh’s father lodged an FIR against 23 individuals, including four police officers, as well as unnamed accomplices and a homeguard associated with the sub-divisional magistrate and the local tehsildar. The charges filed include murder and rioting, with the police invoking the SC/ST Act in response to the Dalit community’s grievances.
Initial inquiries revealed that the plot in question had been levelled by a few local residents, with promises made to the Dalit community regarding the establishment of an ‘Ambedkar Park’. Despite repeated requests to the administration for permission to install a statue of Dr. B R Ambedkar, the community’s pleas went unanswered, leading to heightened tensions and eventual violence.
Call for Justice and Accountability
Rampur Superintendent of Police, Rajesh Dwivedi, assured the public that a comprehensive investigation would be carried out to uncover the truth behind the tragic incident in Silai Badha village. With emotions running high and tensions still simmering, the community awaits justice and closure in the wake of this senseless loss of life.
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