Police action on Meerut protests sparks controversy
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh is facing backlash after police took action against protesters demonstrating over the murder of a Dalit girl in Meerut. The body of Lalita Gautam, a BA student from the Dalit community, was recovered from fields near Rohtan village in the district last month. The incident has reignited tensions over caste-based violence and police handling of such cases.
Details of the case
Lalita Gautam, a resident of Meerut, went missing in June 2026. Her body was found in agricultural fields near Rohtan village on 10 July. The family alleged that she was murdered, prompting protests by local Dalit groups and activists. The Meerut police registered a case and launched an investigation, but the family accused the police of inaction and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
Protest and police response
On 11 July, hundreds of protesters gathered in Meerut demanding justice. The protest turned confrontational when police used force to disperse the crowd. According to officials, several protesters were detained, and some sustained injuries. The opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and Congress, condemned the police action, accusing the BJP-led state government of suppressing dissent. “The police should protect the rights of the victim’s family, not attack those seeking justice,” said a local opposition leader.
Political reactions
The BJP defended the police action, stating it was necessary to maintain law and order. State government spokesperson said, “The police acted within the law to prevent any untoward incident. The investigation is ongoing, and the guilty will be punished.” However, critics argue that the heavy-handed response reflects a pattern of targeting Dalit protesters. The incident has become a political flashpoint ahead of upcoming local elections in Uttar Pradesh.
Impact on community
The murder and subsequent police crackdown have heightened anxieties among Dalit communities in Meerut. Local activists have called for a bandh (shutdown) in the region. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has taken cognizance of the matter and sought a report from the state government. As of now, no arrests have been made in the murder case, and the police continue to investigate.
