Three held, one detained for beating labourer to death in Rajasthan

Police say the role of the councillor’s husband, who is not among the list of accused named in the FIR, is being investigated.

When contacted, Alwar North BJP district president Umed Singh Bhaya said the councillor’s husband holds no posts or has any role in the party.

The incident took place in the aftermath of an altercation between youngsters from the Gujjar and Meo Muslim communities which took place on August 27. Following the incident, an FIR was lodged by a Dalit man under sections including that of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, naming nine men from the minority community.

“On August 27, after the altercation between youngsters from the Gujjar and Meo Muslim communities, an FIR was lodged against the Muslim men. Thereafter a mahapanchayat was convened by the Hindu side and the councillor’s husband, who is also an advocate, was one of the organisers. The advocate said that revenge has to be taken for the August 27 incident. The Meo community tried to mediate with the Gujjar community appealing for peace. Thereafter, on September 8, Wakil, who had nothing to do with the previous altercation, was assaulted,” alleged Sher Mohammad, chief of the Meo Panchayat.

Following the assault, Wakil was referred to a hospital in Alwar and then later to Jaipur, where he succumbed to his injuries on September 12.

“Wakil was returning from work to his village Mehrana when he was assaulted by the accused. His entire body bore injury marks. He is survived by his wife and three daughters. He had nothing to do with the previous altercation. Wakil worked as a labourer to run his family,” said his brother-in-law Sohil.

“We have arrested three people — Lokesh, Anil and Sumit — and have detained a minor for the assault on Wakil. Murder charges have been added in the FIR. Prima facie it appears that apart from the fact that he was from the same village, the deceased had no relation with the previous incident of August 27. We are investigating the role of the councillor’s husband and a search is being conducted for him,” said Additional Superintendent of Police, Bhiwadi, Dilip Kumar Saini.