A 19-year-old Dalit youth, Pankaj Prajapati, was shot dead in broad daylight after a dispute at a government ration shop in Bilhari village, around 25 km from Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. His brother also suffered pellet injuries in the incident.
Police say the conflict began over the distribution of ration items. During the altercation, one of the accused opened fire. Pankaj died while being taken to Gwalior for treatment.
Three people have been booked — Praveen alias Kattu Pateria, Naveen Pateria, and ration shop salesman Ramsevak Arjaria — under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and the Arms Act. All three are currently absconding, and police say raids are ongoing.
Speaking out against the incident, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi blamed systemic caste oppression.
“Pankaj was killed just for asking what was his right. In Modi’s 11 years, Dalits, tribals, and minorities have faced only humiliation and violence,” Gandhi posted on X.
He also alleged police delays in registering the FIR and conducting the post-mortem.
Gandhi added, “I stand with the Prajapati family and every Bahujan in the country. This fight for dignity and justice will continue.”
Local residents and activists have condemned the murder and called for the immediate arrest of the culprits.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com.