Himachal: Anger erupts over death of Dalit minor in Rohru, CPIM takes to streets demanding justice
A student committed suicide after facing caste-based harassment. The CPIM demanded strict punishment for those convicted under the SC/ST Act, and held a massive protest in Shimla.
Published on: 06 Oct 2025, 5:06 pm
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): The alleged suicide of a Dalit minor boy in the Rohru area of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh, reportedly due to caste discrimination, has sparked outrage across the state. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM), along with local residents and Dalit rights organizations, held a massive protest on Monday to protest the tragic incident. The protesters demanded justice for the minor and strictest possible action against the culprits.
The protesters gathered in Shimla, carrying placards and shouting slogans against caste discrimination, also expressed anger that “our system has failed to protect the vulnerable sections of society.”
CPIM leaders and former MLAs Rakesh Singha and Sanjay Chauhan, who were leading the protest, said that it was “extremely shameful and unfortunate” that incidents of caste discrimination were continuing even after 78 years of India’s independence.
CPIM leader Rakesh Singha said, “It is a matter of great concern that even today in independent India, caste discrimination is pushing innocent lives towards despair.”
He further said, “This incident in Rohru is not just an individual incident, but it reflects a serious social disease which our society must face.”
According to the CPIM, the Dalit minor from Rohru was subjected to constant humiliation and discrimination based on his caste, which allegedly led him to take his own life. The party also claimed that instead of demanding justice, some people are trying to defame the minor’s character by falsely accusing him of theft.
Singha said, “Some people are now trying to justify this horrific act by saying that the boy was a habitual thief. But the police have confirmed that there is no FIR or record of any such allegation. This is a cruel attempt to divert attention from the real issue of caste oppression.”
Rakesh Singha demanded from the government that a case be registered in this matter under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and fair justice be ensured to the victim’s family as soon as possible.
He stressed, “We demand strict action under the SC/ST Act. Justice delayed is justice denied. The administration must demonstrate that the Constitution’s promise of equality is not just words on paper.”
The CPIM also compared the Rohru case to a recent incident in Kullu, where a Scheduled Caste official was allegedly attacked during Dussehra celebrations. The party called it another example of “growing caste intolerance” in the state.
During the protest, party leaders stressed that while the Constitution guarantees equality and dignity to every citizen, discrimination based on caste and region persists.
“Our Constitution guarantees every Indian the right to equality. It’s a shame that in 2025 we are still witnessing such incidents,” said Sanjay Chauhan. “The government must act decisively to uphold constitutional values,” he added.
CPIM has announced that their campaign will continue until the victim’s family gets justice and the culprits are punished under the law.
