04, Oct 2024 | CJP Team

In a tragic incident in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit school teacher, his wife, and their two daughters were brutally shot dead at their rented accommodation. This horrific event unfolded on October 2, 2024, just over a month after the family had lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against a man who had threatened them, stating he would be responsible if anything happened to them.

The victims were identified as Sunil Kumar (35), his wife Poonam (32), their six-year-old daughter Drishti, and their one-year-old daughter. Sunil, originally from Rae Bareli, was employed at a government school in Panhauna, Amethi.

उत्तर प्रदेश: जिला अमेठी में बदमाशों ने घर में घुसकर पूरे परिवार को मार डाला। टीचर सुनील कुमार, पत्नी और दोनों बच्चों की गोली मारकर हत्या। पुलिस अफसर मौके पर हैं। pic.twitter.com/aI8QDZtis0

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— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) October 3, 2024

#Horrific Four members of a Dalit family were shot dead inside their home. This is a heinous murder. Two small innocent children were also killed. The terrible incident happened in UP’s Amethi, The mainstream Manu media will not tell you. pic.twitter.com/XhJ9KzEXsv

— The Dalit Voice (@ambedkariteIND) October 4, 2024

The main point to note is that the Dalit family had previously approached the police, providing that the family is facing harassment. According to police reports, initial investigation had revealed that Poonam filed the FIR against Chandan Verma in Rae Bareli on August 18, citing harassment and invoking the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. In her complaint, she warned that if anything were to happen to her family, Verma should be held accountable.

Responding to the brutal crime and the news of the previous FIR, Superintendent of Police Anoop Kumar Singh has stated that the connection between the murders and the previous case has not yet been established. Following the incident, officials from both the police and education departments arrived at the scene, with District Magistrate Nisha Anant and SP Anoop Singh already present. Senior officials from Lucknow were also dispatched to assist in the investigation, which is taking place approximately 60 kilometres from the district headquarters.

Neighbours reported hearing loud gunshots and rushed to the family’s home, only to find them dead in the backyard. The police have assembled teams to investigate, including the Local Intelligence Unit and Special Operations Groups. As part of their efforts, they are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby cameras to identify the assailants. Inspector General of Police Praveen Kumar indicated that preliminary forensic investigations suggest there was no forced entry, implying the assailants were likely known to the victims.

#amethipolice थानाक्षेत्र शिवरतनगंज अन्तर्गत अहोरवा भवानी में पति पत्नी व 02 बच्चों की अज्ञात व्यक्ति द्वारा गोली मारकर हत्या करने की घटना के अनावरण हेतु पुलिस टीमों का गठन कर जा रही वैधानिक कार्यवाही के संबन्ध में #SP_अमेठी द्वारा दी गई बाइट।@Uppolice pic.twitter.com/CPbBJsOWi7

— AMETHI POLICE (@amethipolice) October 3, 2024

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing it as “highly condemnable and unforgivable.” He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, asserting that the Uttar Pradesh government stands with them and promising strict legal action against the perpetrators.

Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav responded to the tragedy with a cryptic post questioning the law-and-order situation in the state, asking, “Koi Hai? Kahin hai? (Is anyone there? Is someone anywhere?)” Congress MP Kishori Lal Sharma criticised the government, stating that the “savage criminals” who murdered the family should face the harshest punishment. He condemned the incident, calling it a reflection of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, where criminals appear to operate without fear.

कोई है?
कहीं है??#नहीं_चाहिए_भाजपा pic.twitter.com/tYBizVDoeZ

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) October 3, 2024

Overall, this shocking mass murder has raised significant concerns about safety of Dalits and the marginalised communities in Uttar Pradesh, with opposition parties demanding urgent action against the assailants and highlighting the failures of the current government to protect its citizens. The Samajwadi Party remarked, “In UP, families are not safe even inside their homes. Jungle Raj is at its peak!”

यूपी में घर के अंदर भी परिवार सुरक्षित नहीं, जंगलराज चरम पर !

अमेठी में बदमाशों द्वारा शिक्षक दंपति और उनके बच्चों की घर में घुसकर हत्या, अत्यंत शर्मनाक घटना।

भाजपा सरकार में कानून व्यवस्था पूरी तरह ध्वस्त, अपराधियों के हौसले बुलंद।

आरोपियों को जल्द गिरफ्तार करे पुलिस, हो सख्त… pic.twitter.com/73cgBUW6Tm

— Samajwadi Party (@samajwadiparty) October 3, 2024

Recently only, a union government report published by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had revealed that the state of Uttar Pradesh reported a staggering 12,287 cases accounting for 23.78% of the total 51,656 cases registered under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, (PoA Act) in the year 2022.  (Detailed report may be read here)

Related:

BJP-ruled states account for highest Dalit violence cases, UP on top, MP records highest reported crimes against STs

Violence against Dalits exposed: brutal police torture and arson attack shake BJP-ruled states

Cruelty for Caste: Dalit youth, Scholar, Student targeted in shameful attacks

Escalating anti-Dalit violence in India: A disturbing surge of brutality and discrimination since July 2024