In Meerut, Dalit lawyer Ravi Gautam, who was on hunger strike demanding action against the former SSP, was removed from the protest site overnight by police. Police cited ill health, while the lawyer denied it.
Uttar Pradesh: Dalit lawyer Ravi Gautam, who was on hunger strike at Commissioner’s Park in Meerut, was removed from the protest site early Friday morning by police. Ravi had begun his hunger strike on Thursday and was demanding the dismissal of former SSP Avinash Pandey and the registration of an FIR against him in connection with the violence that occurred on July 8th. Police cited the lawyer’s deteriorating health as the reason for this action.
Ravi Gautam had been on strike in the same park since August 20th. He alleges that former SSP Pandey severely assaulted him inside a police van. However, a video of Gautam has surfaced after he was removed from the protest site by police. In the video, he is seen claiming that he was in perfect health. His statement directly questions the police’s claim of poor health.
Regarding the entire incident, Civil Lines Superintendent of Police (CO) Vishwa Jyoti Rai stated that Ravi Gautam was thoroughly medically examined. The report revealed a significant deterioration in his health. Following the established protocols (SOPs), he was transferred to a higher-level medical center in Ghaziabad for better care. Meanwhile, by Friday morning, the police administration had completely removed the tents at the protest site.
Earlier, on Thursday afternoon, when Gautam announced his hunger strike, several Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ambedkar faction) activists had reached Commissioner’s Park in solidarity. During his fast, Gautam made serious allegations against the government and administration of ignoring his legitimate demands. He also appealed to Dalit leaders associated with the BJP to speak out openly on these important issues affecting the community.
This entire controversy stems from the death of a student in May. The protesters alleged that the police conducted a highly flawed investigation into the student’s death. On July 8th, a protest by the Dalit community erupted, which later turned violent. Several videos went viral on social media, allegedly showing SSP Pandey beating Gautam inside a police van.
Following this incident, an SP official and his Dalit associate also leveled serious allegations of police brutality. As the matter escalated, the then-SSP, Avinash Pandey, was attached to Lucknow headquarters.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy: Hindi News