By Raheem Khan
Udaipur, Rajasthan, July 29: The brutal murder of Shankarlal Meghwal, a Dalit teacher, has sparked widespread protests in Salumber. Meghwal was killed on Thursday when his throat was slit with a sword, and his father was critically injured in the attack.
For the past three days, the family and supporters have been protesting at the Maharana Bhupal Hospital mortuary in Udaipur, demanding justice for the slain teacher. They attribute the killing to caste-based and feudal mentalities. On Sunday, a CPI(M) delegation visited the protest site, expressing condolences to the bereaved family and assuring them of full support in their struggle for justice. The delegation promised that CPI(M) MP from Sikar, Amararam, would raise the issue in Parliament.
Addressing the protesters, Rajesh Singhvi, CPI(M) district secretary, emphasized the gravity of the murder, pointing to the deep-seated caste-based and feudal attitudes in society. He criticized the BJP government in the state and district administration for their apparent indifference. “When the BJP was in opposition, it criticized the Congress for being anti-Hindu. Is Shankarlal Meghwal not a Hindu that people have been demanding justice for three days now, but no one is listening to them?” Singhvi questioned.
Hira Lal Salvi, CPI(M) Udaipur city secretary, stated that Meghwal’s family is demanding compensation similar to that awarded in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case. The CPI(M) supports this demand, questioning the disparity in treatment.
“If both Kanhaiya Lal and Shankarlal Meghwal are human beings, why the discrimination in compensation? Does the BJP’s love for Hindus awaken only when the accused is a Muslim?” Salvi asked, pledging solidarity with the family in their quest for justice.
On Sunday, the Udaipur unit of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) joined the protest at the hospital mortuary, voicing support for Meghwal’s family. PUCL executive members, including Advocate Arun Vyas, Rajesh Singhvi, Himmat Seth, Yakub Mohammad, and Rakshit Parmar, addressed the gathering. They criticized those who claim to be custodians of Hinduism for failing to combat casteism and untouchability, accusing them of merely engaging in vote-bank politics. They called for upholding constitutional values by eliminating discrimination and following the principles of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar to build a new, inclusive India.
The PUCL representatives met with the victim’s family, gathered information about the incident, and paid their respects. They condemned attempts by dominant classes to link the murder to witchcraft, asserting that the crime was motivated by resentment over economic equality. The delegation plans to visit the crime scene, gather complete information, and prepare a factual report after the immediate issue is resolved. They also expressed support for the bandh called in Udaipur on July 29.
