Protests in Meerut over the murder of a Dalit student have turned into a wider debate on police conduct, Dalit rights, and the limits of street mobilisation. The episode matters for UPSC because it connects social justice, public order, and the constitutional right to seek redress through lawful means.
What happened
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati asked Dalits and other marginalised groups to fight injustice through constitutional means and to avoid street protests, in the context of demonstrations over the murder of a Dalit student in Meerut.
The protests turned violent on July 8 after protesters tried to enter the District Magistrate’s office by breaking the main gate and assaulted police and administrative officials despite repeated requests to disperse. Police said 11 personnel were injured.
Background and earlier position
Police said the victim, 20-year-old Lalita Gautam, went missing from the T.P. Nagar area on May 15 and her body was recovered in the Rohta area on May 17. Police said the main accused was arrested on May 18, and another person was later arrested for allegedly destroying evidence.
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