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Dalit boy’s death: Forensic team collects samples from cowshed

CPM warns of agitation if govt fails to take immediate action

Dalit boy death, Dalit boy thrashed by Rajput woman, State Forensic Laboratory, Junga, Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, Indian express news, current affairs

The boy, from Koli community (Schedule Caste) had entered the house of the accused when he didn't find anyone in the shop adjoining it.

A forensic team Thursday collected samples from the cowshed where a 12-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly locked up and thrashed by a Rajput woman and two others for “polluting” her house by entering it in village Lambdi in Rohru subdivision of Shimla. The team from State Forensic Laboratory, Junga, also inspected the shop of the accused woman where the minor had gone on September 16.

The boy died at Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital (IGMC), Shimla on September 17 where he was taken to after he allegedly attempted suicide by consuming some poisonous substance.

A police officer said, “The samples of suspected poisonous substance, which was reportedly consumed by the victim as per the allegations of his parents, had already been collected. The accused woman, Pushpa Devi, 57, was present in the house when the FSL team visited it to collect the samples”.

The team of forensic experts, accompanied by the local police personnel, spent almost three hours in the village. Sources said the team measured width and height of the window from where the minor had managed to escape from the cowshed.

The boy, from Koli community (Schedule Caste) had entered the house of the accused when he didn’t find anyone in the shop adjoining it.

Later, Pushpa Devi along with two others had caught and locked him in the cowshed, and made a demand of goat to sacrifice for a local deity to “purify” the house, which she said had been polluted by the boy. Shimla police had initially registered an FIR under the charges of abetment to suicide on September 20, the charges of Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST Act were added on September 26, a day after accused Pushpa Devi secured interim bail from the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

‘Can’t be justified in any form’: CPM

The Himachal Pradesh State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) condemned the incident and extended solidarity with the bereaved family.

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Sanjay Chauhan, state secretary of CPI(M), said, “Such incidents of caste-based discrimination cannot be justified in any form, especially in a literate state like Himachal Pradesh. The party has demanded strict action against the culprits under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. A party delegation will soon meet the victim’s family and verify the facts on the ground.”

Warning of an agitation, Chuhan said, “If the state government fails to take immediate action on this grave issue, the party will stage protests across the state on October 6 against this incident of Dalit oppression. The deceased child belonged to a poor Dalit family, and denying him justice goes against the very spirit of social justice enshrined in our Constitution. It is the duty of the government to curb atrocities against Dalits and uphold social justice. The government must also take concrete measures to sensitise society to prevent such incidents.”

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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