Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, October 16
The HPSCC has suspended the investigating officer in connection with the death of a Dalit minor boy in Rohru’s Limdra village, citing serious lapses in the police probe. Commission Chairperson Kuldeep Kumar Dhiman on Thursday said the police failed to register the case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 at the outset, even though the complaint involved allegations of caste-based discrimination.
“Police response has not been satisfactory. The initial investigation was handled casually, affecting the case. ASI Manjeet, the investigating officer, has been suspended, and an explanation has been sought from the SDPO Rohru,” Dhiman told reporters after meeting officials at the Rohru Rest House.
The Commission has also directed police to provide security to the victim’s family after they raised safety concerns. The case drew attention when the family alleged that their child was called “untouchable” and forced to give a goat for “purification” before entering a house.
Dhiman said the police registered the case under the SC/ST Act only after the matter reached the Himachal Pradesh High Court, but failed to arrest the accused woman. “The Commission has been monitoring the case closely since it came to light. Even the DGP’s office took time to submit the report, indicating a lack of urgency from local authorities,” he added.
During the visit, the Commission questioned officials involved in the investigation and met the victim’s family, who have received ₹4.12 lakh in financial assistance from the state government. Dhiman said the Commission’s mandate is to ensure justice for marginalised communities and protect their rights.
“This is a sensitive and nationally significant case. The Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is personally monitoring developments and has directed us to extend full support to the family,” he said.
Members Vijay Dogra, Digvijay Malhotra, ADM (Law & Order) Pankaj Sharma, SDM Dharmesh, Additional SP Ratan Negi, District Welfare Officer Kapil Dev, and local police officials were present during the proceedings.
