Ram Devi Rawat, a CPI(ML) member and recently associated with AIPWA, is a Dalit woman from Aramba village in Itaunja, Lucknow. For the past three years she has been fighting a relentless struggle to protect her land from dominant caste land mafia. Despite repeatedly approaching the police, no justice has been delivered to her, as the voice of a poor Dalit woman continues to be ignored.
A few days ago, she was brutally beaten by these local strongmen, leaving her battling between life and death. Even then, the police refused to register an FIR. It was only under the pressure of AIPWA and CPI(ML) that a case was finally lodged, though reluctantly. But the police system’s failure is glaring: despite strong sections being invoked in the FIR, not a single arrest has been made so far while the survivor continues to fight for her life. Shockingly, the police have not even visited the hospital to record her statement. Their conduct has been utterly irresponsible and complicit.
In view of this grave situation, on 23 August an AIPWA delegation reached the office of the Police Commissioner in Lucknow, submitted a memorandum, and demanded immediate and concrete action. Accepting the demand, the memorandum was forwarded to the BKT ACP, and a meeting with them has been scheduled.
AIPWA has announced that it will take up the fight for justice for Ram Devi in a phased and determined manner until the culprits are punished and the victim’s rights are secured.
