A 36-year-old Dalit labourer succumbed to severe burn injuries following an alleged assault over pending wages, with his family accusing three individuals of pushing him into a pot of boiling sugarcane syrup.
⚠️ Dispute over unpaid wages turns tragic
The deceased, Kuldeep Kumar, had been working at a sugarcane crusher for nearly five months. According to an FIR filed by his father, Khem Karam, the incident occurred on March 11 around 4.30 pm when Kuldeep demanded his pending wages.
The complaint alleges that the owner, Sajid Khan, along with Rashid Khan and Hamid Khan, refused to pay him, verbally abused him, and physically assaulted him. The family further claimed that he was pushed into boiling sugarcane syrup, causing critical burn injuries.
🏥 Victim dies after prolonged treatment
Kuldeep was initially taken to a local hospital and later shifted to multiple medical facilities. Despite treatment over nearly two weeks, he died on Tuesday due to the severity of his injuries.
The family has also questioned the medical care provided, alleging that treatment was discontinued at a private hospital.
⚖️ Case registered under BNS and SC/ST Act
Police have registered a case at Neemgaon police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including causing hurt by dangerous means and intentional insult, along with provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Officials stated that the complaint was filed after Kuldeep’s death and that the investigation is ongoing.
🗣️ Accused claim it was an accident
A relative of the main accused denied the allegations, stating that Kuldeep accidentally fell into the boiling syrup and was not pushed. He also claimed that the accused had borne the victim’s medical expenses.
🔍 Probe underway
Police have said they are examining all angles, recording statements from both sides, and reviewing evidence to determine the exact sequence of events.
The incident has raised serious concerns over labour rights, workplace safety, and accountability, with further developments expected as the investigation progresses.