A 17-year-old Dalit girl from Kannauj district, Uttar Pradesh, died by suicide on Tuesday, reportedly by hanging herself. The girl was reported missing on July 11.
After a three-day search, she was located in Delhi on July 14. Upon her return, the girl accused two men, Puneet and Bhola, of kidnapping her and taking her to Delhi, where she alleged they repeatedly raped her.
The girl claimed that Puneet and Bhola lured her under the pretence of offering a job. Once in Delhi, she was reportedly held against her will and subjected to sexual violence. After managing to escape from her captors, she reached the local police station in Kannauj to file a complaint against the two men.
In her statement to the police, the girl detailed her ordeal, prompting authorities to register a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The police have initiated a search for Puneet and Bhola, who are currently on the run.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of women, particularly those from marginalized communities, in Uttar Pradesh.
Outrage in the Community
The case highlights ongoing issues of violence against Dalit women and the need for more effective measures to protect vulnerable populations.
The local community has expressed outrage over the incident, calling for justice and stricter enforcement of laws to prevent such crimes. Activists have also emphasized the importance of supporting victims and ensuring that their voices are heard in the legal process.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with Dalit rights activists and women’s groups condemning the alleged crime and demanding swift justice.
“This is a horrific act that highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Dalit women in our society,” said Seema Kushwaha, a prominent activist. “We call upon the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and the harshest punishment for the perpetrators.”
The case has also reignited discussions about the need for more measures to protect women, particularly those from marginalized communities, from sexual violence. Many have criticized the lack of adequate safety nets and the societal attitudes that enable such crimes to occur.
As the investigation progresses, the Kannauj district administration has assured the victim’s family of all possible support and has vowed to bring the accused to justice. However, the road ahead remains challenging, with the family and the community at large seeking not just legal recourse but also a fundamental change in attitudes and mindsets.
