Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday claimed the 15-year-old Dalit boy who was found dead in Sonipat had committed suicide and announced that job will be given to a family member, apart from compensation.
“The post mortem report will throw light on why the suicide took place and for what reasons,” he said while addressing media here after the 15-year-old victim’s family alleged that he was beaten up by police and died in custody after being accused of pigeon theft.
“Whosoever is responsible will not be spared and strict action will be taken,” he said as his government came under attack over the incident and the recent killing of two Dalit children in Sunped, Faridabad.
On the death of the Dalit boy, Mr. Khattar said that two families had a dispute over some money.
“As per information, two families Gadia Lohar and Dhanik had some dispute over the issue of some money and pigeon. There was a dispute of Rs 6,000. Their matter was resolved in police station where two persons mutually decided to equally contribute the money. However, one family gave its share and other has not given,” he said.
Mr. Khattar said that the minor Dalit boy was not questioned by the police.
“There was no questioning (of minor boy). He himself went to the police station. One family went with the complaint where matter was resolved. After the matter was resolved, they went to their house and during night suicide took place, as per unofficial information,” he said.
Asked about opposition charge of lawlessness in the state, Khattar asserted that there was no problem of law and order in the state.
“There is no problem at all. The Law and Order situation is good and peace is maintained. But giving individual incidents casteist form is wrong,” he said adding that “stern action will be taken to maintain law and order if the need arose.”
He also hit out at the opposition parties in the state for “unnecessarily exaggerating” the issue.
On the issue of security to Dalit community, the chief minister said that he has held Scheduled Caste Welfare committee meetings in all the districts after a gap of two years.
“In all the districts, meeting is now regularly held and people are asked about their problems. I also held meeting with DCs and SPs and inquire about any possible caste related incident.
“Yes, small incidents do take place and it is always government’s intention not to let such incident happen again and if it takes place, efforts are made to nab the culprit and ensure suitable action,” he said.
