‘This isn’t the U’khand we fought for’: Activists protest Tehri teen’s murder

Dehradun: Social activists on Friday staged a protest in Dehradun against the murder of an 18-year-old Dalit youth in Tehri Garhwal, allegedly killed by the family of a minor upper-caste girl for befriending her.Demonstrators gathered near the Shaheed Smarak and later submitted a memorandum to the chief minister demanding a high-level, impartial and time-bound probe, along with strict legal action against those responsible.Activists described the incident as more than a case of murder, calling it an act rooted in caste-based hatred, social dominance and inhumane cruelty. “This boy was subjected to severe assault and inhumane torture.

The brutality has shocked the state and there is deep outrage among communities,” said Kamla Pant of Uttarakhand Mahila Manch.Agitators claimed that falling in love is not a crime and persecuting or murdering a young man due to his caste, social background or personal relationships is a stain on civilised society. “In a state like Uttarakhand, such incidents pose a serious challenge to the social fabric, constitutional values and human rights.

This is not the state we fought for,” Pant added.The memorandum also sought financial assistance, security, legal aid and rehabilitation for the victim’s family to shield them from fear, pressure or social harassment. “It is the responsibility of the govt and administration to provide a fear-free environment for every citizen and to protect the constitutional rights of vulnerable and marginalised sections of the society,” the document stated.Protesters raised slogans and staged a sit-in outside the district magistrate’s office complex demanding sensitivity and accountability in handling the case.“The murder case was not merely the killing of an individual but a direct assault on the rights to equality, dignity and life guaranteed by the Constitution. Failure to take strict and exemplary action against the culprits would send a wrong message to society and encourage such crimes. State govt should accord top priority to the case, ensure the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and guarantee the imposition of the severest punishment,” said activist Nirmala Bisht.