A 36-year-old Dalit labourer died after suffering severe burn injuries in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri, with his family alleging that he was pushed into a pot of boiling sugarcane syrup after demanding his pending wages.
The victim, Kuldeep Kumar, had been undergoing treatment since March 11 and died on Tuesday.
According to a complaint filed by his father, Khem Karam, Kuldeep had been working at a sugarcane crusher for the past five months.
He alleged that when his son asked for his dues on March 11, the owner of the crusher, Sajid Khan, along with two others, refused to pay him and assaulted him.
“They pushed my son into the boiling sugarcane syrup, leaving him badly burnt,” Khem Karam said in the FIR.
He further claimed that the accused initially took Kuldeep to a hospital and informed the family later. The victim was moved between multiple hospitals during treatment.
Police Register Case, Probe Underway
Police have registered a case at Neemgaon police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC ST Act.
Speaking on the matter, Additional Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Rai said the incident took place on March 11 and the complaint was filed after Kuldeep’s death.
“We have heard both sides and are examining all angles,” the officer said.
Accused Deny Allegations
The family of the main accused has denied the allegations, claiming that the incident was an accident.
Nasir Khan, a relative of the accused, said, “It was an accident. Kuldeep fell; he was not pushed. The family has fabricated the incident.”
He also claimed that the accused had helped with medical treatment and were not present at the scene as alleged.
The case has also raised questions about the handling of the victim’s medical treatment. The family alleged that after initial care at a district hospital, Kuldeep was shifted to other facilities, where treatment was later discontinued.
Police noted that the complaint was filed after the victim’s death, and they are verifying all aspects, including medical records and witness statements.
