Following the death of a Dalit youth in Chhatarpur, his family members blocked the Tehsil intersection by placing his body there. The protesters created a pyre by placing wood on the road and demanded the arrest of the accused.
Chhatarpur News: A massive uproar erupted in Naugaon town of Chhatarpur district after the death of a Dalit youth under suspicious circumstances. Angry family members and locals protested by placing his body at the Tehsil intersection on Wednesday evening. The protesters created a pyre by placing wood on the road and blocked the road. This disrupted traffic on the main road and caused long queues of vehicles on both sides. The traffic jam continued for more than six hours, causing inconvenience to the public. The family members of the deceased have accused some people of beating him and forcibly administering a poisonous substance to him. They demand that the accused be immediately arrested and a murder case be registered against them.
There was a dispute over wages.
The deceased has been identified as Dharampal Ahirwar. He was a resident of Naya Mohalla, Ward No. 18, Naugaon, and worked as a laborer in the local vegetable market. His wife, Usha Ahirwar, stated in a police complaint that a dispute arose on October 22, 2026, over wages.
According to the complaint, when Dharampal asked Jitu, alias Jitendra Sahu, and his parents for his wages, they refused. It is alleged that Dharampal was subsequently assaulted with sticks and rods, sustaining serious injuries. Dharampal then went to the Naugaon police station and filed a complaint against the accused for assault.
Allegations of Pressure to Withdraw the Case
According to family members, after the assault case was filed, the accused party was pressuring Dharampal to reach a compromise. On October 27, Dharampal was called to a shop under the pretext of a discussion. There, he was asked to withdraw the case. The family claims that Dharampal refused to withdraw the case. He was then again abused and beaten. It is alleged that he was forcibly administered a poisonous substance during this time.
Death during hospital treatment
After being administered the poisonous substance, Dharampal’s health deteriorated. He was taken to the Naugaon Community Health Center in critical condition. Doctors there, finding his condition critical, referred him to the Chhatarpur District Hospital. Dharampal died while undergoing treatment at the district hospital on the night of October 27th. Upon receiving the news of his death, the family was plunged into mourning. Upon the arrival of his body in Naugaon, anger spread among the family and local residents. They launched a protest demanding strict action against the accused.
Blockade at Tehsil Square
On Wednesday evening, family members, residents of the neighborhood, and other members of the community arrived at the Tehsil Square with Dharampal’s body. They placed the body in the middle of the road and protested. The angry people also built a pyre by placing wood on the road. The protesters demanded the immediate arrest of the main accused, Jeetu Sahu, and his associates and the registration of a murder case. The traffic jam disrupted traffic on the Jhansi-Khajuraho route and other connecting roads. Long queues of vehicles caused significant inconvenience to pedestrians and other travelers.
Given the seriousness of the situation, Naugaon police station and additional police force were deployed to the scene. Administrative and police officials continuously engaged with the protesting family members, attempting to pacify them. Officials assured a fair investigation and action based on available evidence. Further legal action was stated to be taken based on the post-mortem report and investigation findings. However, the family members remained adamant on their demand for immediate arrest and the registration of a murder case.
Pawan Bidua | Edited By: Ashish Kumar Mishra |
Pawan Bidua’s journalistic journey began in 2018 with V News Cable Network in Chhatarpur. He subsequently held consecutive positions as a district bureau chief for India News National and MP-CG. He covered the sensitive and risky reporting of the COVID period on the ground. Pawan Bidua completed his B.J.M.C. from Dr. Harisingh Gour University and his LLB from Pt. Motilal Nehru Law College.
Courtesy: Hindi News