In a landmark decision, a court in Uttar Pradesh sentenced three men to death for their roles in the 1981 murder of 24 Dalits, categorizing the case as among the “rarest of the rare.” The lengthy judicial process has drawn attention to the systemic issues of justice for marginalized communities, while victims’ families express relief but lament the delay. The horrific events have deeply impacted the village and its survivors, now seeking a more just legal system.
A court in Uttar Pradesh, India, has sentenced three men to death for their involvement in the brutal 1981 murders of 24 individuals from the Dalit community. This incident occurred in Dehuli village, where the victims were shot by a gang of bandits, including women and children. The special court classified this case among the “rarest of the rare,” thus justifying the imposition of capital punishment. The convicted individuals maintain their innocence and may appeal the verdict.
All victims were of Dalit descent, representing the lowest tier in India’s caste system. Family members of the victims expressed approval of the ruling, albeit with a sense of dissatisfaction regarding the lengthy delay in justice. Sanjay Chaudhry, whose cousin was among the deceased, remarked, “Justice came very late to us. The accused have lived their lives.”
In total, 13 of the 17 men originally charged with the crime have passed away over the past 44 years. Alongside the three who were sentenced, one additional suspect remains at large. The massacre unfolded on November 18, 1981, when 17 upper-caste men, disguised in police uniforms, invaded the village of Dehuli and opened fire on the residents.
The violence erupted as an act of retribution for the murder of a Dalit gang member by his upper-caste associates, leading to speculation that Dalit villagers were assisting law enforcement in the investigation. Witness Rakesh Kumar, recalling the incident, said, “I was doing household chores when suddenly the firing started,” while noting the tragic losses among his family. His mother, now 80, recounted the horrors of that day, stating, “They did not spare anyone, including women or children. Whoever they found was killed.”
The assault lasted over four hours, resulting in numerous casualties while the assailants escaped before police intervention. The ferocity of the attack prompted many Dalits to flee Dehuli, and the local government deployed police patrols to restore peace, drawing considerable political attention, including a visit from then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The judicial process has proven notably protracted, with the case transitioning from the district court to the Allahabad Sessions Court in 1984 following a state high court order. The proceedings continued intermittently until 2024, when the case was finally brought before a special court in Mainpuri, resulting in a conviction. Such delays in justice are not uncommon in India, particularly for cases involving marginalized communities. In a similarly lengthy case, a 90-year-old man received a life sentence in 2023 for a caste-related crime committed in 1981.
The conviction of three men in the 1981 Dalit massacre marks a significant moment in the quest for justice after 44 years of delays. While the sentenced maintain their innocence, the case highlights systemic issues within the Indian judicial process, especially regarding the treatment of marginalized groups. The harrowing memories of the survivors serve as a reminder of the painful events that transpired, which continue to resonate in the lives of their descendants. The families await the opportunity for a more expedient and equitable judicial process.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
