Sangrur village tense as Dalit victim dies

Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, November 16

Changaliwal village remained tense as Dalit labourer Jagmale Singh (37), who was brutally attacked allegedly by upper caste men on November 7, died at the PGI, Chandigarh, early this morning. Dalit organisations staged a protest outside the Lehra SDM’s office.

Jagmale, who lost both legs after the attack, was allegedly forced to drink “urine” by the suspects. The police have arrested all four suspects and added Section 302 (murder) of the IPC to the FIR lodged on November 13.

The family refused to allow post-mortem or accept the body till the victim’s wife was given a government job and adequate compensation.

“We will launch an indefinite agitation from Sunday if the Punjab Government fails to give Rs 50 lakh relief and a government job to Manjit Kaur, the widow,” said Mukesh Malaud, president, Zameen Prapati Sangharsh Committee. Dr Makhan Singh, BSP state general secretary, accused the police and doctors of failing to act responsibly. “The penniless family kept shuttling between Lehra, Sangrur and Patiala hospitals, but doctors did not provide him treatment. The police registered the FIR on November 13, seven days after the attack,” he said.

Sangrur SSP Sandeep Garg said there was no delay on part of the police. “On receiving information from the hospital, the SHO registered an FIR and all four suspects were arrested. 

Today, Section 302 IPC has been added to the FIR. Investigation is on,” he said. Punjab Cabinet Minister Vijay Inder Singla said the Congress government would ensure strict punishment to the culprits. “Our government will take all steps to ensure strict punishment and financial help to family,” he said at Bhawanigarh.

Admn promise aid

We have sent the case to the Director, Social Welfare, for release of Rs 8.25 lakh aid and directed officers to complete formalities for a monthly pension of Rs 5,000. We will try to arrange a job. Ghanshaym Thori, Sangrur DC