Jaipur, Rajasthan : The suicide of Vikram Meena in Kushalpura village, in the Jamwaramgarh region of Rajasthan, has sparked tension in the area. Alleged assault by forest officials and police indifference are being blamed for the incident. Villagers and the deceased’s family have been protesting in front of the Raisar police station for two days, demanding justice for Vikram and strict action against the culprits. On Friday, police lathi-charged and fired tear gas shells at the protesters, detaining several people, including former MLA Gopal Meena, Andhi village head Mansi Meena, district council member Vijay Meena, and Bhagwan Makkad.
What is the whole matter?
A goat belonging to Vikram Meena, a resident of Kushalpura village, accidentally strayed into a forest area a few days ago. Forest officials captured the goat and called Vikram. It is alleged that when Vikram reached the forest area, the forest officials stripped him and beat him severely. Following this, two challans of ₹1,100 each were issued, and the family was fined ₹2,200. Despite paying the fine, Vikram went to the Raisar police station to complain about the assault. Instead of registering his complaint, the police scolded him and sent him away. Frustrated and disheartened, Vikram committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree just 100 meters from the police station.
Villagers’ Anger and Protest
Since Vikram’s death, villagers and family members have been staging a sit-in protest in front of the Raisar police station. Former Jamwaramgarh MLA Gopal Meena joined the protest on Thursday night. He said, “There are several villages surrounding the forest area. Sometimes, villagers’ cattle accidentally stray into the forest area. In such cases, forest officials treat the villagers inhumanely, assault them, and humiliate them even after collecting fines.” Gopal Meena demanded accountability for the forest officials and police. He also demanded compensation for the deceased’s family.
Police Lathicharge and Detention
As protests and tensions escalated on Friday, police resorted to lathicharge and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several villagers, including former MLA Gopal Meena, Andhi village head Mansi Meena, District Council member Vijay Meena, and Bhagwan Makkad, were detained. This action further fueled anger among the villagers.
Naresh Meena’s Support
Meanwhile, social activist Naresh Meena has expressed support for the deceased’s family. He said, “We stand with Vikram’s family. We will do everything possible to ensure their demands are met. Whatever the family demands, we stand with them.”
Demands and the Future
Villagers and family members are demanding strict action against the forest officials, accountability for the police, and compensation for the deceased’s family. This incident has raised questions about the functioning of the local administration and the Forest Department. Currently, tension prevails in the area, and people are united in their efforts to secure justice for Vikram Meena.
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