Jhunjhunu Dalit Youth Murder: Administration Bulldozes Accused's Properties, Valmiki Community Demands Ex-Gratia and Government Job

Jhunjhunu- In a significant development following the brutal murder of a Dalit youth by liquor mafias in Surajgarh, the local administration has initiated some stringent actions by demolishing the illegal properties of the accused.

The incident, which occurred on May 14th, involved the kidnapping, torture, and murder of Rameshwar Valmiki, a dalit youth who worked in a cow shed in Baloda village.

Liquor mafias brutally killed Rameshwar by tying his hands and feet, hanging him upside down, and beating him mercilessly.

The assailants recorded the assault and circulated the video on social media, sparking widespread outrage.

The murder has sparked protests by the Valmiki community in Jhunjhunu. The protesters are demanding harsh punishment for the accused, compensation of 50 lakh rupees for the victim's family, and a government job for a family member. They have also raised concerns about threats to witnesses and the safety of the victim's family.

To address the public's demand for justice and to deter criminal activities, Jhunjhunu SP Rajarshi Raj Verma led an operation on Thursday evening, where the illegal properties of two of the accused and another individual connected to the case were demolished.

The police and administration conducted the encroachment removal operation at three locations, targeting the houses of liquor contractor Sushil Jat and accused Praveen Meghwal and Praveen alias PK. These demolitions included both temporary and permanent structures.

These properties were built on encroached pond (Talaab) land. The house of the liquor contractor, whose rivalry led to the murder, was also torn down.

Despite emotional pleas from the families of the accused and villagers, the administration proceeded with the demolition.

One of the accused’s mothers tearfully pleaded, "If my son has done wrong, then kill him, but why punish us by destroying our home? Where will we live now? We don’t even have a roof over our heads."

The police directed the family to vacate their belongings, leading to a poignant scene as children and women tearfully removed their possessions.

The villagers’ appeals citing their poverty were ignored, and the demolition continued using a JCB machine.

Speaking with the local media, SP Rajarshi Raj Verma stated that as a part of efforts to deter criminals and uphold public trust in law enforcement, the demolition drive has been initiated. The police have identified additional illegal properties owned by the accused, which will be demolished in the coming days.

Earlier, the SP had visited the victim’s family, assuring them of strict and swift action against the accused.

He offered his condolences and assured them that the case would be handled under the Case Officer Scheme, guaranteeing that the accused would receive the harshest punishment. The SP also inspected the crime scene, reaffirming the commitment to justice.

This incident has also led to significant political repercussions. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and other leaders have criticized the BJP government for its failure to maintain law and order, accusing it of being preoccupied with media image-building.

Facing immense public pressure, the Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma took cognizance of the incident and ordered the police, administration, and excise department to suspend the liquor license of the accused contractor. Additionally, the illegal properties of the accused in Baloda village were demolished with bulldozers.