In a chilling act of violence that has shaken Uttar Pradesh to its core, a Dalit mother lost her life defending her daughter from alleged abductors in Meerut. The young girl remains missing, and the nation is left grappling with yet another horrific reminder of the vulnerability faced by marginalized communities—and the terrifying speed at which safety can vanish from an ordinary evening.
The incident, now widely referred to as the Meerut abduction-murder, occurred when two men reportedly stormed the family’s home, attempting to forcibly take the teenage daughter. The mother, in a final act of maternal courage, stood between her child and the attackers. She paid for that bravery with her life .
As police launch one of the largest search operations across northern India, questions are mounting—not just about the whereabouts of the missing girl, but about systemic failures in protecting vulnerable citizens, especially from Scheduled Caste communities who often face compounded risks.
Table of Contents
- What Happened: The Night of Terror in Meerut
- Who Are the Accused? Paras Som and Sunil Kumar
- Massive Manhunt: Police Response Across State Lines
- The Caste Dimension: Why This Case Resonates Nationally
- Legal Protections for Dalits: Gaps Between Law and Reality
What Happened: The Night of Terror in Meerut
According to initial police reports and eyewitness accounts, the attack took place at the family’s residence in Meerut’s Partapur area. Two men—later identified as Paras Som and Sunil Kumar—arrived at the home and attempted to abduct the 15-year-old girl .
The mother, whose name has been withheld for privacy and cultural reasons, intervened immediately. A violent struggle ensued. The assailants attacked her with sharp weapons, inflicting fatal injuries before fleeing the scene—with the daughter in tow.
Neighbors alerted authorities, but by the time police arrived, the perpetrators and the girl were gone. The mother was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival. Her last act—a desperate shield for her child—has since become a symbol of both profound love and tragic injustice.
Who Are the Accused? Paras Som and Sunil Kumar
Police have named Paras Som and Sunil Kumar as the prime suspects. Both are local residents known to the family, though the exact motive for the abduction remains under investigation. Early speculation points toward possible personal vendetta or even a targeted act rooted in caste prejudice—a grim possibility given the victim’s Dalit identity.
Authorities have issued non-bailable warrants and are coordinating with law enforcement agencies in neighboring states like Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, suspecting the duo may have crossed state borders to evade capture.
Massive Manhunt: Police Response Across State Lines
An FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:
- Section 302 (Murder)
- Section 363 (Kidnapping)
- Section 364 (Kidnapping or abducting in order to murder)
- Relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, given the victim’s background
A special task force has been formed, with over 200 officers deployed. Technical surveillance, mobile tower pings, and CCTV footage from highways are being analyzed round-the-clock. Railway and bus stations across the region are under heightened watch.
Despite these efforts, as of January 10, 2026, the girl remains unlocated—a fact that has sparked public outrage and protests demanding faster action.
The Caste Dimension: Why This Case Resonates Nationally
This is not just a crime—it’s a potential hate crime. The victim’s identity as a Dalit woman adds a deeply troubling layer to the Meerut abduction-murder. Historically, Dalit women in India face disproportionate levels of violence, often at the intersection of gender and caste discrimination.
According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), crimes against Scheduled Castes rose by nearly 12% in 2024 alone, with Uttar Pradesh consistently ranking among the top states for such offenses . Activists argue that cases involving Dalit victims frequently suffer from delayed investigations, weak prosecution, and societal apathy.
For more context, see our feature on rising caste-based violence in North India.
Legal Protections for Dalits: Gaps Between Law and Reality
India has strong legal frameworks to protect marginalized communities. The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, mandates swift justice and enhanced punishment for crimes against Dalits and Adivasis. Yet, implementation remains inconsistent.
Organizations like the National Commission for Scheduled Castes exist to monitor such cases, but ground-level enforcement often falters due to lack of political will, police bias, or fear of reprisal in close-knit communities.
In this case, the immediate invocation of the PoA Act is a positive step—but only if followed by decisive action. The nation is watching to see whether justice will be swift or stalled.
Summary
The Meerut abduction-murder is a devastating blend of personal tragedy and systemic failure. A mother’s ultimate sacrifice, a daughter’s uncertain fate, and the shadow of caste-based violence have turned this local crime into a national emergency. As the search continues, it’s imperative that authorities not only find the missing girl and punish the perpetrators but also address the deeper societal fractures that allow such horrors to recur.
Sources
- Times of India: “Horrific Meerut murder-abduction: Dalit woman killed while shielding daughter from abductors; girl still missing”
- National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) – Crime in India Report 2024