MEERUT: A 50-year-old Dalit woman was killed while attempting to protect her 20-year-old daughter from alleged abductors in Kapsad village of Meerut district on Thursday, prompting political reactions and heightened security in the area.
According to police, the woman was struck on the head with a sharp weapon when she intervened as two men allegedly tried to abduct her daughter in nearby fields. The attackers fled with the daughter after assaulting the mother, who later died during treatment at hospital.
The accused have been identified as Paras Som (23) and Sunil Kumar (25), both residents of the same village. Police have registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for murder and abduction, along with provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Meerut SSP Vipin Tada said multiple police teams have been deployed to trace the suspects and rescue the missing woman. “Teams have been sent to Haryana and Delhi based on leads,” he said, adding that authorities are taking the case seriously.
Meerut Zone ADG Bhanu Bhaskar said the police have assured the family that every possible effort is being made to recover the missing daughter and bring the accused to justice.
How the incident unfolded
- The woman and her daughter were allegedly stopped in fields on Thursday morning
- One of the accused attacked the mother with a sharp weapon when she intervened
- The suspects fled with the daughter after the assault
- Villagers alerted the family, and the injured woman was taken to hospital
- She later succumbed to her injuries
- A videographed postmortem was conducted
Before her death, the woman reportedly told police that one of the accused misbehaved with her daughter and attacked her when she protested.
District Magistrate VK Singh said financial assistance has been sanctioned for the family. “The family has received Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s relief fund and will be given an additional Rs 12 lakh after the chargesheet is filed,” he said.
Tensions prevailed in the village on Friday, with heavy police deployment. The family initially refused to perform the last rites, demanding the arrest of the accused and the safe return of the missing girl. The cremation took place later in the evening after discussions with the administration.
Senior officials, including SSP Vipin Tada, remained present during talks. “More than 10 police teams are working across districts to apprehend the accused and ensure the girl’s safe recovery,” he said.
The administration has also assured security to the family, and the district magistrate said an arms licence for self-protection is being considered due to safety concerns.
The incident has sparked political reactions. BSP chief Mayawati urged the government to take strict action to prevent crimes against women. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticised the state government, alleging loss of public trust. Former Union minister Sanjeev Balyan, who visited the family, appealed for patience.
