Dalit killed for refusing to sell liquor on credit

HISAR: A 32-year-old dalit man from Panihar Chak village of the district was killed for refusing to sell liquor on credit to a group of upper caste men. 

Angered by the 'temerity' of Mahender Kumar, 20-odd men allegedly kidnapped and attacked him with sharp-edged weapons on Thursday night. His cousins also sustained serious injuries when they went to his rescue. 

According to Kuldeep, an eyewitness, the accused came to Mahender's liquor shop at 11.30pm. They were infuriated when he did not accede to their demand of providing them liquor on credit. Following an exchange of hot words, they bundled him into their vehicle and took him to an isolated area in a nearby village, where they set upon him with sharp-edged weapons, killing him. 

Kuldeep said when Mahender's cousins' Ramesh and Balbir followed the kidnappers to Mulkan village, they too were attacked. 

Raja, Kuldeep Singh, Anil Kumar  and 18 other unidentified persons have been booked under various sections of the IPC and SC/ ST Act. Preliminary investigations indicate that Azad Nagar police post in charge ASI Partap Singh was negligent in performing his duties. He has been suspended and sent to the police lines. 

Police stepped up action in the case when relatives of the victim and other villagers blocked the Hisar-Rajgarh road. The protesters carried out the cremation only after officials of the district administration, including Hisar SP Anil Dhawan, promised them that the guilty would be brought to book. 

A police spokesman said sections under the SC/ST Act were added as the victim is from Dhanak community and all the accused are Jats. Hisar SP said, ''Action was taken against the ASI as he failed to act in time.'' 

Courtesy: TOI, July/28/12