Meerut Village on Edge: Murder and Abduction Trigger Rising Tensions Between Dalits and Thakurs

Meerut: Tensions are escalating in Kapsad village of Meerut following the brutal murder of 45-year-old Sunita and the abduction of her 20-year-old daughter, Ruby. Ruby belongs to the Dalit community, while the accused are reportedly from the Rajput (Thakur) community, adding a communal dimension to the tragedy.

Shock and Outrage Grip the Village

The incident, which occurred in the Thakur-dominated Kapsad village, has severely disrupted the social balance, creating a tense and volatile environment. The bereaved family has announced that they will not perform the funeral rites until Ruby is safely returned. This stance has heightened administrative concerns, as villagers stayed awake late into the night, discussing the incident in every lane and courtyard.

Anger is particularly visible in the Dalit settlements of the village, with residents asserting that the case is not merely a family tragedy but also a matter of collective community honor. Meanwhile, in the Thakur-dominated areas, police presence and the arrival of outsiders have fueled widespread speculation. Though both sides are not openly confronting each other, tension continues to simmer beneath the surface.

A Village Previously Free of Communal Strife

Kapsad, with a population of around 15,000, had long maintained social harmony. Approximately 9,000 Thakurs, 3,000 Scheduled Castes, 2,000 Pandits, and other communities reside in the village. There has been no prior record of any significant caste-related conflict here, which makes the current incident all the more unsettling for the residents. Many locals say that this single act has called into question the reputation of the village, built over decades of peaceful coexistence.

Silence and Speculation Amid Growing Tension

The main accused, Paras Som, is reportedly a compounder, while Sunil Som works as a laborer. Despite this, no one is openly discussing the motive behind the crime. The victim’s family, the accused, the village head, and other local authorities have maintained a strict silence. Discussions are happening discreetly, with some reports suggesting that Dalits from neighboring districts have been called in to support the family’s pursuit of justice. Authorities are also reportedly monitoring the potential arrival of politicians and local leaders, including Chandra Shekhar, which could further intensify the situation.

Police on High Alert

The police are exercising extreme vigilance across the village. Security personnel have been deployed throughout Kapsad, keeping a close watch on anyone entering or leaving the area. CO Sardhana Ashutosh Kumar and Inspector Dinesh Pratap Singh are conducting regular patrols. Senior officials have assured that the investigation is ongoing and that the girl will be rescued and the accused arrested at the earliest.

This disturbing incident has not only shaken Kapsad but also highlighted the fragile nature of communal relations in rural areas, demonstrating how a single act of violence can threaten long-standing social harmony.