Bareilly: Tension gripped Bareilly district after the death of a 26-year-old Dalit youth triggered widespread outrage among villagers and family members. The victim, Rahul Sagar, a resident of Dohra village under the Baradwari police station area, died during treatment after allegedly being brutally assaulted by a group of men.

Rahul had been battling for his life in hospital for nearly a week following the attack. As news of his death spread, angry family members and villagers gathered outside the post-mortem house and blocked the highway by placing Rahul’s body on the road. The protesters raised slogans against the police, accusing them of negligence and delay in action. Anticipating trouble, the administration deployed a heavy police force in the area and senior officials rushed to the spot to control the situation.

Attacked for asking back borrowed money

According to the family, the incident took place on January 14. Rahul’s father, Pappu, said his son had left home carrying ₹30,000 to pay for his brother-in-law’s hospital expenses. On the way, Rahul, along with his friends Lalu and Sachin, went to meet a man named Bhima, who allegedly owed Rahul ₹20,000.

When Rahul demanded the return of his money, Bhima reportedly became furious and called his associates, Lucky Labhera and Akash Thakur. The three allegedly surrounded Rahul near Kashiram Park and assaulted him mercilessly with sticks until he collapsed unconscious. The accused also allegedly snatched ₹30,000 in cash and Rahul’s mobile phone, while threatening his friends with dire consequences when they tried to intervene.

Rahul was later rushed to Abhiram Hospital and then referred to Narayana Hospital due to his critical condition.

Death during treatment, allegations against police

Despite doctors’ efforts, Rahul succumbed to his injuries about a week later. His death shattered the family and intensified anger in the village. The family has alleged that the police failed to act promptly and did not arrest the accused immediately. They further claimed that while Rahul was undergoing treatment, police officials pressured them to compromise and settle the matter.

Following his death, protesters demanded the immediate arrest of all accused and strict action against police personnel accused of negligence. They warned that the protest would continue until concrete assurances of justice were given.

Family devastated, village in mourning

Rahul worked as a daily wage labourer and was the sole breadwinner of his family. He is survived by his wife Shivani and three young children. The youngest child is just 15 days old, while the elder sons, Aryan and Dev, are four years and two-and-a-half years old respectively. With Rahul’s death, the family has lost its only source of income.

The entire village remains in mourning, with residents demanding the harshest possible punishment for the culprits. As anger simmers on the streets, the case has once again raised serious questions about law enforcement, caste-based violence, and whether justice will truly reach a poor Dalit family.