A 50-year-old Dalit woman was killed while trying to protect her daughter from alleged abductors in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district. The incident took place on Thursday morning in Kapsad village under the Sardhana area.
According to police, Sunita Jatav was attacked when she stepped in to save her 20-year-old daughter from two men who allegedly tried to abduct the young woman. The attackers struck Sunita on the head with a sharp weapon. She was rushed to hospital but succumbed to her injuries during treatment. The accused fled from the spot with the daughter, who is still missing.
Police have identified the accused as Paras Som, aged 23, and Sunil Kumar, aged 25, both residents of the same village. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for murder and abduction, along with provisions of the SC ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Meerut Senior Superintendent of Police Vipin Tada said multiple teams have been formed to track the accused and recover the missing girl. “An FIR has been registered under BNS sections for murder and abduction and also under the SC ST Act. Based on technical and local inputs, police teams have been sent to several districts including Haryana and Delhi,” he said.
Meerut Zone ADG Bhanu Bhaskar assured the family of strict action. “We have assured the family that all possible steps are being taken to recover their daughter and bring the culprits to justice,” he told reporters.
Before her death, Sunita reportedly gave a statement to the police describing the attack. “Paras misbehaved with my daughter. When I protested, he abused and assaulted me and hit my head with a sharp weapon,” she said.
The incident led to tension in Kapsad village, where a heavy police force has been deployed to prevent any unrest. The family initially refused to perform the last rites, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused, strict action against them and the safe return of the missing daughter. After several hours of talks with the administration, the cremation was carried out.
District Magistrate V K Singh announced financial assistance for the family. “An ex gratia amount of ten lakh rupees has been given from the Chief Minister’s relief fund. An additional twelve lakh rupees will be provided before the chargesheet is filed in court,” he said. He also added that the administration was considering providing security and other support to the family.
The case has sparked strong political reactions across parties. BSP chief Mayawati said the government must act firmly. “Such incidents of violence against women and Dalits must be taken very seriously. Strict action is necessary to stop criminals from repeating such crimes,” she wrote on X.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticised the state government, saying, “The situation has worsened to the point where people are losing faith in the system due to rising crime.”
Police said raids are continuing and CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined. Officials added that efforts are being made to locate the missing woman at the earliest and ensure justice for the victim’s family.
