Dalit Girl's Tragic Suicide in Lakhimpur Kheri Following Accused's Bail Release and Threats
A deeply distressing incident has shaken the community in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, where a 14-year-old Dalit girl was discovered deceased, hanging from the roof of her family home. The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday afternoon, with her family asserting that she had been enduring immense psychological strain ever since the individual accused of sexually assaulting her was granted bail from prison just one week prior and subsequently issued death threats against her.
Parents Return from Work to Discover the Tragedy
At the time of the incident, the adolescent's parents were not present at the residence. Her father was engaged in agricultural labor work, while her mother was out gathering firewood. Upon returning from their daily occupations, they made the harrowing discovery of their daughter's lifeless body inside their dwelling.
Background of the Molestation Case and Initial Police Action
The girl's father provided a detailed account of the preceding events. He stated that on January 10, his daughter had ventured to a nearby field to collect fodder for livestock. It was there that Lavlesh Kumar, a 25-year-old man, allegedly dragged her into a secluded bush area and molested her. When the minor raised an alarm, the accused reportedly hurled caste-based insults at her before fleeing the scene.
The traumatized girl returned home and confided in her parents, who promptly filed a formal police complaint. Law enforcement officials registered a First Information Report (FIR), leading to the arrest of Lavlesh Kumar. He was subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
Bail Release and Escalating Threats Precede the Suicide
The situation took a devastating turn when Lavlesh Kumar secured bail and was released from jail approximately a week before the suicide. According to the grieving father, the accused confronted his daughter when she visited a local shop. During this encounter, Kumar allegedly threatened to murder her if the family did not withdraw the criminal case against him.
"My daughter then told us that she was terrified and was under mental stress, but before we could do anything, she took the extreme step," the father recounted in a statement filled with anguish.
New FIR Registered and Accused Re-arrested
In response to a fresh complaint filed by the bereaved family, the police have initiated a new FIR against Lavlesh Kumar. The charges have been framed under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to abetment of suicide, and Section 3(2)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Circle Officer Shivam Kumar confirmed the legal actions, stating, "He was arrested and sent to jail on Friday." This development underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations of intimidation and caste-based harassment that preceded the minor's death.
The case has cast a spotlight on issues of victim protection, the psychological impact of threats on survivors, and the implementation of laws designed to safeguard marginalized communities. It raises critical questions about support systems for vulnerable individuals during legal proceedings, especially when accused persons are released on bail.
