Pregnant Dalit woman dies after alleged police assault in India

NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — A 28-year-old pregnant Dalit woman died after her family says a police officer kicked her in the abdomen during a late-night operation to detain her husband in northern India, triggering protests and demands for action against officers involved.

Anjali was at her home in Labhaua village in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad district when police arrived around 11:45 p.m. Sunday to take her husband, Gaurav, into custody in connection with a theft case.

Her family alleges that when she pleaded with officers not to take him away, Sub-Inspector Dharmpal Singh kicked her in the abdomen, causing her to fall.

Police took Gaurav, 32, into custody while Anjali’s condition subsequently deteriorated. She was taken to a hospital in Shikohabad, where she gave birth to a boy Monday morning.

Her health worsened after delivery, and she was transferred to a private hospital in Firozabad, where doctors declared her dead.

Her newborn son was reported to be in critical condition and was referred to a hospital in Agra for further treatment.

Anjali belonged to India’s Dalit community, historically treated as “untouchable” and relegated to the bottom of the Hindu caste hierarchy.

Dalit women remain particularly vulnerable to violence and discrimination because caste and gender inequalities often overlap, while rights campaigners have long raised concerns over barriers marginalized communities face when seeking protection and accountability from state institutions.

India abolished the practice of untouchability under its Constitution and has specific laws intended to protect Dalits and other historically oppressed castes from discrimination and violence.

But caste remains deeply embedded in parts of Indian society, with Dalits continuing to report violence, humiliation, segregation and other forms of discrimination despite those legal protections.

Anjali’s death sparked protests by villagers outside Shikohabad police station. Her family said Gaurav was released from custody after police were informed that his wife had died.

Firozabad Superintendent of Police Aditya Langhe subsequently suspended six police personnel for negligence. Those suspended include Sub-Inspectors Dharmpal Singh and Satyapal Singh, Head Constables Mohan Singh and Arvind Kumar and Constables Bhavtosh Kumar and Kuldeep Kumar.

Anjali underwent a post-mortem examination late Monday. Her last rites were performed later that night amid heavy police deployment.

Her death also drew demands for an investigation from politicians representing constituencies where caste discrimination and Dalit rights are prominent concerns.

Samajwadi Party national general secretary and lawmaker Ramjilal Suman visited Anjali’s family Tuesday before staging a sit-in with party workers at Shikohabad police station. He demanded an impartial investigation and strict action against anyone found responsible.

Azad Samaj Party chief Chandrashekhar Azad, a prominent Dalit political leader, also called for a fair investigation and action against police personnel found responsible.