An 18-year-old Dalit youth died after allegedly being assaulted by the family of a 15-year-old girl with whom he was reportedly in a relationship in Uttarakhand’s Tehri district, police said on Tuesday. The victim, identified as Ketan Lal, was allegedly attacked after visiting the girl’s house following a phone call he received from her on Sunday night. The incident has sparked allegations of caste-based violence from the victim’s family.
According to police, Ketan went to the girl’s residence after receiving the call, where he was allegedly caught by members of her family. Senior Superintendent of Police Shweta Choubey said the youth was allegedly beaten and kept at the house overnight. Police said he was reportedly assaulted by the girl’s father and grandfather until Monday morning. The girl’s father later informed Ketan’s father, Dhampal Lal, about the incident, following which the injured youth was taken to a hospital.
Ketan succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment, police said. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Officials stated that preliminary findings indicate the boy and the minor girl were in a relationship, though investigators are continuing to examine all aspects of the case, including the events leading up to the alleged assault.
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The victim’s family has alleged that Ketan was tortured to death and has described the incident as a case of caste violence. “I do not know about the girl or the nature of their relationship,” his father said, while asserting that the attack was motivated by caste prejudice. Police have not yet confirmed a caste angle and said further action will depend on evidence gathered during the investigation. The case has drawn attention to concerns over caste-based discrimination and violence, particularly in cases involving inter-caste relationships.
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