The court has finally pronounced its verdict in the Dhuli Dalit massacre case that took place four decades ago. Special Judge of Mainpuri Court on Tuesday convicted Kaptan Singh, Ram Pal and Ram Sewak and sentenced him to death sentence and fine of Rs 50,000.
What was the whole matter?
On the evening of 18 November 1981, 17 armed dacoits opened fire in Dihuli village of Firozabad district. In this attack, 23 people died on the spot, while 1 person died during treatment. In this way a total of 24 Dalits were brutally murdered.
After the incident, a case was registered against local resident Laik Singh’s Tahrir. The police investigation accused 17 dacoits, including gang leader Santosh Singh (alias Santosa) and Radheshyam (alias Radhe). However, 13 accused died during the trial, while one of the accused is still absconding.
Indira Gandhi met the victim’s family
After this massacre, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi met the victim’s families, while the Leader of the Opposition Atal Bihari Vajpayee expressed condolences to the victim families by walking on foot from Dihuli to Sadupur (Firozabad).
‘Justice received after four decades’
On this decision, government advocate Rohit Shukla said, ‘Four decades later the victims have got justice. This is a historic decision, which will send a message in the society that no criminal can escape from the law.
Now what next?
After the verdict, the culprits will have the option to appeal to the High Court. This decision of the court has been described by the victim families as a victory of justice.
