Massive protests erupted in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, after a 22-year-old Dalit girl working at a private hospital was allegedly raped and murdered, triggering anger and unrest among the local community. The situation worsened on Friday when police lathicharged the protestors, which led to heavy stone-pelting in retaliation. The violent clash left the Circle Officer (CO) of Rani Ganj and at least 11 police personnel injured.
The Incident
The victim, a resident of Adharganj village under the Rani Ganj police station, worked as a staff member at a nearby private hospital. According to her family, she left for her duty on Thursday evening but never returned home. The family alleges that late at night, they were informed by hospital authorities that their daughter had fallen ill and needed to be shifted to another facility. However, when the family reached the hospital, they found her dead.
The family was shocked to see visible injury marks on her body and alleged that her undergarments were torn, strongly indicating sexual assault before her murder. The grief-stricken family and villagers brought the body home, after which anger quickly spread in the community.
Protest Turns Violent
By Friday morning, hundreds of people gathered at Durgaganj Bazaar of Rani Ganj and blocked roads demanding justice. As the crowd swelled and tensions rose, police tried to disperse the protestors through a lathicharge (baton charge). This, however, further provoked the agitated villagers, who retaliated by pelting stones at the police. The violent clash resulted in multiple injuries, including CO Rani Ganj and other police officials.
Political Reaction
The incident has sparked political outrage as well. Samajwadi Party leader and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav blamed the ruling BJP government for failing to protect Dalits and minorities. He criticized the administration’s silence and delayed action. Akhilesh wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “The BJP government is directly responsible for the anger of the people due to its inactivity and indifference after the death of a Dalit girl in Pratapgarh. Whenever there is a death in the marginalized PDA community, the administration conveniently remains silent, while for small issues they instantly bring out bulldozers.”
Legal Action and Investigation
Dr. Anil Kumar, Superintendent of Police, confirmed that an FIR has been registered against the hospital owner and five others, based on the victim’s mother’s complaint. He assured the public that all aspects of the case would be thoroughly investigated and strict action will be taken against those found guilty. The girl’s body has been sent for a post-mortem, and forensic evidence is being collected.
Growing Anger Over Dalit Safety
This incident has once again highlighted the recurring issue of violence against Dalit women in Uttar Pradesh. Activists and locals expressed concerns that caste-based discrimination continues to plague the justice delivery system. The matter is expected to take political centre-stage as opposition parties are gearing up to question the BJP government on its law-and-order record.
Local residents continue to demand a fair investigation, immediate arrest of all accused, and stronger action to ensure the safety of women, especially from marginalized communities.
Situation at Present
Heavy police deployment continues in the area to maintain law and order. Authorities have also advised residents to avoid gatherings without permission. However, tension prevails as protests could intensify if the public perceives the investigation as delayed or biased.
