The kin of the Dalit family murdered in Amethi alleged pictures the accused Chandan Verma forcefully took with deceased Poonam are being circulated on social media. Family charged had the police taken action on woman’s complaint, the murders could have been averted.
Four of a Dalit family - Sunil Kumar (35), an assistant teacher at the Composite School in Panhauna, his wife Poonam and their two children aged 5 and 2 were shot dead allegedly by Verma, at their residence in Bhawani Nagar on Thursday. Police arrested Verma on Friday night, near a toll plaza in Noida, while he was trying to flee to Delhi. The last rites of the deceased were conducted in their native village on Saturday.
According to police, Verma murdered the family allegedly after his relationship with Poonam went sour. However, the family refuted the claims and said the family could have been saved had the police taken action on a complaint filed by Poonam less than two months ago.
Bhanu, brother of the deceased Poonam, said, “Chandan used to force my sister to speak with him. He also took pictures with her forcefully, that are now being circulated,” PTI reported. He added, “Had the local police taken action against Chandan after my sister lodged an FIR, this incident would have not happened."
Verma was shifted to Rae Bareli district jail on Saturday. He was shot by police on Saturday after he tried to escape from custody while recovering weapons used for the crime. Police shot Verma in his leg while he tried to snatch the pistol of a sub-inspector.
According to police, Verma confessed to the crime and though he tried to kill self after murdering the family, he misfired and did not have courage to attempt again.
Meanwhile, the victims' extended family met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday along with BJP MLA Manoj Pandey at Lucknow. Pandey told PTI that the CM expressed grief over the incident and assured the family of all possible help.
Adityanath tweeted, "In the presence of honourable MLA of Unchahar, Manoj Pandey ji, I met the victim family of the unfortunate incident that took place in Amethi. The UP government stands with the bereaved family with full sympathy and commitment. Be assured, the victims will definitely get justice and the strictest action will be taken against the culprits.”