Union minister Ramdas Athawale at a press conference in Bandra on Saturday. (Photo: Mrugesh Bandiwadekar)
Union minister Ramdas Athawale at a press conference in Bandra on Saturday. (Photo: Mrugesh Bandiwadekar)
Union minister of state for social justice Ramdas Athawale on Saturday met the family of a 16-year-old Dalit boy who was killed three days ago in connection with an inter-caste relationship. However, the minister had to skip his visit to Kopardi village where a minor girl was raped and murdered last week. He was reportedly told not to visit the village.
After meeting the family of Swapnil Sahaji Sonawane in Seawoods, Mr Athawale said he would demand a CID investigation into the case.
Sonawane was allegedly threatened and beaten to death for having an affair with a 15-year-old girl, the daughter of Rajendra and Malati Naik from the same area.
“It’s sad that even as the accused beat up the Dalit family on road for a second time leading to his death, the neighbours and passersby just watched. It is inhuman. Secondly, the two officers who ignored the threats received by the boy should also be punished. An FIR should be registered against them too. I will request that the case be sent to a fast-track court and demand strict punishment,” the minister said.
The minister said that he wanted to visit Kopardi but it had to be deferred. “The family refused to meet me as they were goaded by local political party people not to do so. However, chief minister spoke to me regarding the same and told me that we could visit the family together next week.”
The Navi Mumbai police has arrested 11 persons, including two minors in the case where a 16-year-old Dalit boy was beaten to death for being in a relationship with an upper caste girl. Also, two police officials have been suspended in the case. The case is now being investigated by crime branch officials of Navi Mumbai.
