A 14-year-old Dalit student, Mayank Kumar, was found dead on a railway track in the Devband police station area of Saharanpur, Uttarpradesh, sparking shock and outrage in the local community. Mayank, a class 9 student, was discovered inside a sack by a train driver, who alerted the police. The body was subsequently taken into custody and sent for post-mortem examination.
According to the police, Mayank had been missing since January 12. Family members stated that he was lured from home by a girl known to him, where he was allegedly beaten severely and stabbed. The perpetrators then reportedly threw his body under the train to make the death appear as a suicide or a train accident.
Superintendent of Police (Rural), Sagar Jain, said that an FIR has been filed against five named suspects based on a complaint by the victim’s father. The accused include a local couple, their son and daughter, and another individual. So far, two suspects have been taken into custody, and questioning is ongoing. CCTV footage and other evidence are also being examined.
The incident has caused tension and anger in the village, particularly because it involves the murder of a minor and the disposal of the body on a railway track. Villagers and social activists have demanded a fair and speedy investigation to ensure the perpetrators receive the strictest punishment.
Police have not yet confirmed whether the case involves an honor killing or other motives. Early investigations suggest that Mayank’s murder may have been a premeditated act. Further investigation and the post-mortem report are expected to reveal the full truth of the case.
