25-year-old killed in Rajasthan’s Dausa for refusing Holi colours

“As per the CCTV footage, there was an issue over applying of colours on the now deceased Hansraj Meena — who was preparing for patwari (revenue officer) exams — in the local library. We lodged an FIR for murder and have arrested one of the three accused, Bablu Meena,” Ramsharan Gurjar, SHO of Dausa’s Ramgarhpachwara police station, said.

Dinesh Agarwal, Additional SP (Lalsot) said that around 4 pm on March 12, a fight broke out between some students in the library. In the fracas, Hansraj sustained injuries on his head, leading to his death.

“He was taken to Lalsot hospital where he was declared dead,” the officer said.

The incident took place at the government library in Ralawas, Dausa. Videos of the incident show some people punching and kicking Hansraj, and hitting him with a belt. According to the police, the suspects also tried to strangle him.

“We have seen the footage where it can be seen that three persons are assaulting him. They have been identified as Ashok, Kalu and Bablu,” the ASP said. Following Hansraj’s death: “The villagers misbehaved with the hospital staff and kept the body on the highway and sat on a protest,” the SHO said, ruling out premeditated murder.

The family, which demanded a government job for kin, Rs 50 lakh compensation and arrest of the culprits, eventually reached an agreement with the administration.