Bihar CM orders speedy trial in Dalit boy's murder case

Patna/Sasaram: Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi today ordered speedy trial into the burning of a 15-year old Dalit boy at a village in Bihar’s Rohtas district. Manjhi said he had spoken to Director General of Police PK Thakur and Rohtas District Magistrate Sandeep Kumar Pudakalkatti and directed them to ensure speedy trial of the case. He said that one angle of the incident doing the rounds was that the victim, identified as Sai Ram, had immolated himself after he was mercilessly beaten up by one Kulkul Singh after the boy’s goat had strayed into Singh’s land yesterday. Whatever be the matter, the accused should be brought to justice through speedy trial in the case, the Chief Minister said and announced compensation to the victim’s family under relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. [caption id=“attachment_1695065” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi. PTI[/caption] Meanwhile, Rohtas police have arrested the accused within hours after the victim’s father Jewat Ram lodged an FIR charging Singh with the murder of his son, District Magistrate Sandeep Kumar Pudakalkatti said, adding, the accused will be brought to justice through speedy trial in the case. He also announced Rs five lakh compensation to the victim’s family. Pudakalkatti said that the body has been handed over to the family for last rites after the autopsy was done. Meanwhile, the Dalit boy’s death has generated political heat in the district with the BJP and CPI(M-L) Liberation workers blocking roads near Mohanpur village demanding justice for the victim. Sai Ram was allegedly burnt to death by Kulkul Singh apparently to teach him a lesson after the victim’s goat had strayed into the latter’s land, the DM said. PTI