Chandigarh: A horrific incident in which a Dalit labourer was allegedly beaten up and forced to drink urine in Punjab succumbed to his injuries at PGI Hospital here on Saturday.
Condemning the incident, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed shock at the death of the 37-year-old Dalit construction worker.
Stating that the rule of jungle was prevailing in the state, the former Deputy Chief Minister said there were repeated cases of atrocities against Dalits and that the latest case of Jagmail Singh of Sangrur had stricken the conscience of every right thinking Punjabi.
"Jagmail suffered inhuman atrocities at the hands of his tormentors after being tied to a pillar, acid was poured on his legs and when he asked for water, he was forced to drink urine. Jagmail died a horrible death after both his legs had been amputated earlier," he said in a statement.
Badal said it was condemnable that the Chief Minister had proceeded on a 14-day holiday to Europe at a time when all sections of society were suffering.
"This apathy towards the people is shocking", the SAD President said, adding the government had failed to take prompt action against Jagmail's tormentors and that he was not provided prompt medical attention.
The delay in giving treatment to Jagmail amounts to criminal negligence and action should be taken against officials responsible, he added.
Meanwhile, the Sangrur police on Friday arrested three persons, including the main accused Rinku for forcing the Dalit to drink urine.
The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has sought a report from the Senior Superintendent of Police about the incident.
