Dalit's body exhumed after activists allege murder

AHMEDABAD: The death of a 40-year-old man has sparked a controversy in Dhandhuka as Dalit activists have alleged murder and demanded reinvestigation.
The body of the deceased was dug out on Saturday in the presence of sub-divisional magistrate and police officials and was sent to Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad for post-mortem.
While Dhandhuka police have taken an application of complaint in the matter, police said that they would register an FIR after the post-mortem report becomes available in a couple of days.
Dalit rights activists met with senior government officials on Saturday and Sunday and demanded intervention as they alleged threats to other Dalit residents of Kharad village in connection with the case.
According to the application, Soma Chauhan, 40, a resident of Kharad, had demanded wage arrears from Jayubha Zala after which Zala and others allegedly attacked him.
The injuries proved fatal as Chauhan died on February 25.
Afterwards, the assailants allegedly threatened the community members against going to police or report the incident.
Jeetu Solanki, a rights activist, said that they demanded probe of the judiciary after which the body was taken out for post-mortem. "We are seeking protection for the community members who were threatened," he said.
HG Parmar, SDPO, Dholka, told TOI: "Investigation is on to ascertain the cause of death. If it turns out to be murder, legal action will be taken against the accused," he said.