MEERUT: A 50-year-old Dalit woman was killed in Kapsad village in Meerut on Thursday after she tried to protect her daughter from suspected kidnappers, sparking political outrage and increased security in the region.The woman was hit in the head with a sharp weapon when she stepped between her 20-year-old daughter and two men who were allegedly trying to kidnap the younger woman. The accused fled with the daughter after attacking the mother, who later succumbed to her injuries in hospital.Police identified the accused as Paras Som (23) and Sunil Kumar (25), both residents of the same village. An FIR has been registered under relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections for murder and kidnapping and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.Meerut SSP Vipin Tada said the police have intensified the search operation. “An FIR has been lodged against two persons of the BNS department for murder and kidnapping and relevant provisions of the SC/ST Act. Based on the tips, teams have also been sent to Haryana and Delhi,” he said.Meerut zone ADG Bhanu Bhaskar told TOI, “We have assured the family that all possible measures will be taken to recover their daughter and bring the culprits to justice.”How events unfolded
- On Thursday morning, Sunita Jatav and her 20-year-old daughter were said to have been stopped by the accused in nearby fields
- Paras is said to have attacked the mother with a sugarcane sickle when she intervened
- The defendant fled with the daughter after injuring the woman
- Villagers alerted the family following which the injured woman was taken to the hospital
- She later succumbed to her injuries during treatment
- A videographic autopsy was conducted before the body was handed over to the family
District Magistrate VK Singh said the financial assistance has been sanctioned. “A total of Rs 10 lakh has been donated to the family from the CM relief fund and they will receive another Rs 12 lakh till the charge sheet is filed in court.”Before succumbing to her injuries, the woman made a statement describing the attack. “Paras misbehaved with my daughter. When I protested, he started beating and abusing me. He hit me on the head with a sharp object,” she said.The defendants remain on the run.On Friday, grief simmered in Kapsad village in Sardhana area even as a heavy police presence was deployed to maintain law and order. The woman was cremated late in the evening after several hours of negotiations between the family and the administration.Earlier, the family had refused to perform the last rites and demanded the arrest of the accused, strict action against alleged illegal construction work by them and the safe recovery of the missing daughter.Senior officials, including SSP Vipin Tada, remained present in the village during lengthy discussions with the family. “More than 10 police teams are working across districts to arrest the accused and ensure the girl’s safe recovery. Both of them hail from the same village. We are responding quickly to any leads,” he said.DM Dr. VK Singh said the government was also considering issuing arms license to the family for security reasons and assured them of immediate protection. He added that the law and order situation in the region was peaceful.The case has provoked strong political reactions. BSP chief Mayawati posted onSamajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav wrote down There can be nothing worse than a situation where people lose all hope in their government.”Former Union minister and former MP Sanjeev Balyan, who visited the family, said, “I asked them to be patient.”Important points
- FIR is registered under BNS sections for murder and kidnapping and also under provisions of SC/ST Act
- More than 10 police teams deployed; Searches are underway in all districts including Haryana and Delhi
- Paid Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia from CM Relief Fund; Rs 12 lakh has to be paid before being charged
- Heavy police deployment in Kapsad village to prevent outbreaks
Samajwadi Party workers also protested at Commissary Park demanding the girl’s safe recovery and the arrest of the accused, leading to minor clashes with police.
