ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party President and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav met the family of Dalit student Lalita Gautam in Meerut following her alleged murder and assured them that his party would stand firmly with them in their fight for justice. He urged the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government to fulfil every demand of the bereaved family and ensure that the deceased student receives justice.
Addressing the media after meeting the victim’s relatives, Akhilesh Yadav expressed serious concern over the handling of the case. He alleged that while the accused named in the FIR had been booked under weaker legal provisions, those protesting against the incident had been charged under stringent sections of the law. He described this as a grave miscarriage of justice and accused the state government of failing to protect the rights of the victim’s family.
The Samajwadi Party chief also criticized the conduct of senior police officials, saying that the police, from whom people expect justice, were instead contributing to public distrust. Referring to a widely circulated video involving a senior police officer, he claimed that such actions had tarnished the image of the Uttar Pradesh Police across the country and beyond. He added that many sincere and dedicated police personnel, who perform their duties with honesty and compassion, would also feel embarrassed by such incidents.
Akhilesh Yadav reiterated his party’s slogan that “PDA will no longer remain silent but will speak out.” He alleged that when insensitive behaviour is displayed towards women, particularly a grieving mother who has lost her daughter, it sends a disturbing message about the state’s commitment to justice and women’s safety. According to him, such incidents erode public confidence in law enforcement and governance.
He further claimed that the people of Uttar Pradesh were no longer willing to accept political speeches without visible action on issues concerning law and order, women’s safety, and social justice. Emphasizing accountability, Akhilesh remarked that when those at the highest levels fail to exercise restraint, it becomes difficult to expect discipline from officials working under them.
The Samajwadi Party has demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the case, strict legal action against all those responsible for the alleged crime, and justice for Lalita Gautam’s family. The party has also called on the state government to address the concerns raised by the victim’s relatives without delay.
