Meerut student death: MP Chandrashekhar Azad accuses police of excessive force amid protests
A political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh following the death of a 20-year-old Dalit student in Meerut. Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad has alleged that police used excessive force against protesters who were demanding justice for the victim.
The student, Lalita Gautam, went missing from the T P Nagar area on May 15. Her body was recovered in the Rohta area on May 17. Police have arrested a main accused and another person for allegedly destroying evidence. Authorities said more individuals may be involved.
On Friday, July 10, Mr. Azad was on his way to the victim's village but was stopped by police at the Sivaya toll plaza. After several hours, district administration officials brought the victim's mother and sister to the toll plaza control room, where the MP met them in the presence of senior officials. He assured the family of support and demanded a fair investigation and stringent action against those responsible.
During his visit, heavy security arrangements were made at the Sivaya toll plaza. Police erected barricades, regulated traffic on several routes, and deployed a large contingent of security personnel. Senior police and civil administration officials remained present. A large number of Azad Samaj Party supporters also gathered, leading to a tense situation for several hours.
Mr. Azad criticised the police action against members of the Dalit community during the protests, describing the use of force as unjustified under any circumstances. He alleged attempts to suppress dissent and called for an impartial inquiry into the entire episode. He said he would raise the issue in Parliament when the session begins and announced that his party would launch an agitation to secure justice for the victim's family and seek the release of those arrested in connection with the protests.
In his remarks, Mr. Azad also appeared to criticise Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati without naming her, stating that issuing statements alone is not enough and that political leaders should stand with the victim's family. He added that delays in justice weaken the confidence of weaker sections in the system.
Earlier, Ms. Mayawati, without naming anyone, had alleged that some political parties and organisations were exploiting the sentiments of the Dalit community for political gains.
According to police, protests over the murder took a violent turn when those agitating attempted to force their way into the district magistrate's office after breaking the main gate. Police said protesters assaulted police and administrative officials despite repeated requests to disperse, resulting in injuries to 11 policemen. The protesters alleged that one of them was assaulted by a senior officer inside a police vehicle, a charge police denied.
Police have arrested seven people and booked more than 30 others in connection with the protest.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police and the state's home secretary following a complaint alleging that police resorted to an “unprovoked, brutal lathi-charge” during a “peaceful” public demonstration in Meerut, inflicting severe injuries on multiple protesters.
The incident has highlighted tensions between law enforcement and communities demanding justice, with both sides presenting differing accounts of the events. The case continues to draw political attention and public scrutiny.
