15-day ultimatum: In the absence of forensic evidence, a medical board will now conduct the investigation; father says, 'We only want justice'
Dharamshala: The case of the death of a 19-year-old Dalit student in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, is escalating. On Thursday, various Dalit organizations, along with the deceased’s parents, staged a strong protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office. They were demanding swift justice in the case of the student’s death, which occurred on December 26.
It is noteworthy that the victim was a student at Government College, Dharamshala. Following her death, allegations of continuous ragging, along with severe physical, sexual, and mental harassment, have been made.
Father’s pain: ‘We just want justice for our daughter’
The atmosphere became somber during the protest when the deceased’s father, Vikram Kumar, addressed the media. While speaking, he couldn’t control his tears and said with a choked voice, “We want justice for our daughter… that’s all I have to say.” He expressed gratitude to all the people and organizations who stood with the family during this difficult time and said that now they are only waiting for justice for their daughter.
15-day ultimatum to the administration
The workers of Maharishi Valmiki Guru Ravidas Mahasabha and Baba Deep Singh Kalipul Seva Organization (Una), who participated in the protest, have given a clear warning to the administration. They clearly stated that if appropriate legal action is not taken within 15 days, they will be forced to intensify their movement. The organizations warned that they might even resort to measures such as blocking the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border and staging a road blockade in Dharamshala city.
Questions raised about the intentions of the police and administration
Amit Valmiki, president of Maharishi Valmiki Guru Ravidas Mahasabha, expressed deep anger over the slow pace of the investigation. He said that many days have passed since the incident, but justice is still a long way off. Questioning the administration, he said, “If the government and the administration were serious, justice could have been delivered in a single day.”
Valmiki expressed suspicion about the kind of pressure the administration and police were under, which was causing the case to be handled so sluggishly. He said that the parents’ participation in the protest shows how frustrated they are with the progress of the investigation.
Meanwhile, Balwant Singh, a worker of Baba Deep Singh Kalipul Seva Organization, Una, submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra, demanding swift action. He said, “Today this has happened to one student, tomorrow it could happen to someone else. If pressure is exerted for compromises, the crimes will not stop.”
Lack of Forensic Evidence and Formation of a Medical Board
Currently, several agencies, including the police, UGC, State Education Department, Scheduled Castes Commission, and Women’s Commission, are investigating the case. The police are meticulously examining the deceased student’s mobile call records and social media activity to find any clues related to ragging or the attack.
However, the biggest challenge for the investigating agencies is the lack of crucial forensic evidence. The fact that the student’s post-mortem was not conducted and the cremation was done hastily has prevented investigators from obtaining DNA samples and vital medical inputs.
To compensate for this deficiency, officials at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College and Hospital, Tanda, have constituted a five-member medical board. This board will examine the records of the hospitals where the student was treated before her death. Kangra Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashok Ratan said that the board will submit an evidence-based report, which will help determine the exact cause and circumstances of death.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy: Hindi News