Dalit Laborer Succumbs to Burns After Alleged Assault Over Unpaid Wages in Uttar Pradesh
A tragic incident in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, has resulted in the death of a 36-year-old Dalit laborer who suffered severe burn injuries after being allegedly pushed into a pot of boiling sugarcane syrup. The victim, identified as Kuldeep Kumar, passed away during treatment on Tuesday, following the March 11 altercation at a sugarcane crusher unit.
Family Alleges Fatal Assault During Wage Dispute
According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged by Kuldeep's father, Khem Karam, the laborer had been working at the crusher owned by Sajid Khan for approximately five months. On the afternoon of March 11, around 4:30 PM, Kuldeep approached his employer to request his pending wages. The situation escalated when Sajid Khan, along with two associates identified as Rashid Khan and Hamid Khan, reportedly refused payment, verbally abused him, and physically assaulted him.
The complaint alleges a horrifying turn of events: "They pushed my son into the boiling sugarcane syrup, leaving him badly burnt. After the incident, they initially took him to a hospital and informed the family later. He was subsequently referred from the district hospital to a civil hospital, but after just one day of treatment, he was discharged and shifted to a private facility where medical care was eventually discontinued."
Police Investigation and Conflicting Narratives
Kheri Assistant Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Rai confirmed that authorities have heard from both sides regarding the incident. "We have verified that the incident occurred on March 11. Kuldeep had been receiving treatment at various medical facilities since that time, and the family formally lodged their complaint only after his unfortunate demise. Our investigation is currently examining all possible angles and circumstances," stated ASP Rai.
Meanwhile, Nasir Khan, cousin of the main accused Sajid Khan, has presented a contradictory account, claiming the incident was purely accidental. "It was an unfortunate accident where Kuldeep fell; he was not deliberately pushed. The family has fabricated the assault narrative. Those named in the FIR were not even present at the location during the incident. We have supported the victim's medical treatment and possess all relevant hospital bills as evidence," Nasir Khan told reporters.
Legal Action Under New Criminal Laws
An FIR has been officially registered at the Neemgaon police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include Section 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), Section 118 (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous means), and Section 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace). Additionally, relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have been invoked in the case.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about labor rights, wage disputes, and caste-based violence in rural Uttar Pradesh, particularly within the agricultural and sugarcane processing sectors where informal employment arrangements are common.
