A violent altercation at a ration shop in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district has left a man from the Dalit community dead, triggering protests from his family and local residents.
According to police, the conflict began at around 10 am on Sunday at the ration shop in Kumhartoli village, where Pankaj Prajapati (19) and his brother Ashish argued with the shop operator, Praveen Pateria, over the distribution of rations that were taking place after having been pending for three months.
A senior police officer said, “Three months’ pending ration was being distributed together. When the victim’s family’s turn came, they allegedly got one fewer sack, leading to an argument.”
The verbal spat escalated, prompting the brothers to return with family members. Shop operator Praveen Pateria, his brother Naveen Pateria, and salesman Ramsevak Arjaria allegedly responded with verbal abuse and physical assault. “The situation spiralled when Praveen Pateria allegedly climbed to the roof of his house and fired his licensed firearm,” the officer said.
Police said a bullet struck Pankaj Prajapati in the thigh, while another grazed Ashish, who was treated and discharged after first aid. Pankaj was rushed to Chhatarpur Hospital and later referred to Gwalior, but he succumbed to his injuries en route.
On Monday, grieving relatives and local residents gathered at Naugaon Hospital, refusing to allow a postmortem until being assured that justice would be served. They later blocked roads near the tehsil office, and dispersed only after police intervention.
Naugaon police have registered a case against the accused under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections of murder, and under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as well as the Arms Act.
This story was originally published in indianexpress.com. Read the full story here.