A seemingly trivial altercation over spitting during a ride on a boat-shaped swing at a village fair in Ratlam's Alot area has allegedly culminated in the death of a 21-year-old youth. Five individuals, including two minors, have been arrested for forcing the victim to consume a poisonous substance following the dispute at the fairground.
Details of the Incident
According to the police, the victim, identified as Krishnapal Singh, a resident of Khamariya village, had visited the Dharola fair on May 19. While seated inside a boat-shaped swing, he allegedly spat, and the spit landed on a person sitting on the opposite end of the swing. This triggered a heated argument between the two at the fair itself.
Investigators revealed that later, as Krishnapal was returning home, the other individual stopped him and allegedly forced him to consume a poisonous substance. Shortly after, villagers found Krishnapal staggering on the road and promptly took him to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
Protests and Police Action
The death sparked widespread protests in the area. Family members and villagers placed the body outside the Alot police station late at night and staged a road blockade, demanding the arrest of the perpetrators. The protest was temporarily withdrawn after police assured strict action. However, the family again blocked traffic at Kargil Square the following day, alleging delays in action.
The complaint was lodged by the victim's uncle, Shyam Singh Sondhiya Rajput, who accused five individuals of killing Krishnapal by forcing him to consume pesticide after the fair dispute.
Arrests Made
Ratlam Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar formed a special team to investigate the case. On Thursday night, police arrested Kuldeep Singh (22), Yuvraj Singh (18), and Govind Singh (24), all residents of Moonj village, along with two juveniles. Alot Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Pallavi Gaur confirmed that the accused admitted to their involvement in the crime during interrogation.
The investigation is ongoing, and further legal proceedings are underway.
