Woman’s mysterious death after Dalit man’s custodial death sparks outrage
Bhopal: In a development highlighting systemic injustices and the vulnerabilities of marginalized communities in India, a woman who had filed a complaint against a Dalit man—who later died under suspicious circumstances in police custody—was herself found dead in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident has prompted Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to criticize the BJP-led government, accusing it of fostering an environment of marginalization against minorities.
The deceased, identified as Rukhsana Khan (40), was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan at her home in Kannod town, authorities said.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDOP) Ketan Adlak stated, “Prima facie, it appears to be a case of suicide. However, the exact cause of death will be determined after the postmortem.”
Rukhsana Khan had filed a complaint on December 26 against a Dalit man, Mukesh Langore (35), accusing him of using abusive language and threatening her while intoxicated. Following her complaint, Mukesh was summoned to the Satwas police station on December 28 for questioning. He allegedly died by suicide in the inquiry room, an incident that sparked widespread controversy.
Authorities initially claimed that Langore was not in custody and was giving his statement before the station in-charge, Ashish Rajput, at the time of the incident. However, the case led to the suspension of the station in-charge and the initiation of a judicial inquiry on December 29.
The death of Rukhsana Khan has further inflamed public sentiment, with questions being raised about the safety of individuals involved in legal complaints, particularly in sensitive cases. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra strongly criticized the BJP-led government, accusing it of fostering an environment that marginalizes Dalits.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, stated, “Incidents like these cannot happen without implicit support from those in power.” Priyanka Gandhi also expressed her dismay, calling for accountability and justice for both victims.
The judicial inquiry into Mukesh Langore’s death continues under a judicial magistrate first class (JMFC), while authorities now face mounting pressure to thoroughly investigate Rukhsana Khan’s suspicious death.
These incidents have brought to light deeper concerns about systemic injustices and the vulnerabilities faced by marginalized communities in India, further highlighting the need for institutional reforms.
