UP Dalit woman allegedly killed for supporting BJP, SP accused

A tragic case in Uttar Pradesh's Karhal constituency has sparked political outrage as the body of a 23-year-old Dalit woman was found stuffed in a sack on the day of Assembly bypolls. Her family alleges that she was murdered for supporting the BJP, pointing fingers at local Samajwadi Party workers.

Mainpuri police have arrested Prashant Yadav and Mohan Katheria in connection with the case, registered based on a complaint by the victim’s father. "The accused killed her because she expressed her intention to vote for the BJP," Mainpuri police chief Vinod Kumar said, citing the family's claims.

The victim's father alleges that Yadav visited their home three days before the incident and questioned her about her vote. When she affirmed her support for the BJP, citing benefits her family received under the PM Awas Yojana, he allegedly threatened her to vote for the Samajwadi Party.

The BJP has launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party, holding them responsible for the murder. State BJP chief Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary condemned the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter), accusing SP workers of killing a "Dalit daughter" over political differences.

Meanwhile, SP's Karhal candidate Tej Pratap Yadav called for a thorough investigation, stating that the guilty must face strict punishment. Without directly addressing the case, the party’s official X account alleged police intimidation of voters under the guise of patrolling.

The incident has further fueled tensions between the BJP and SP as nine Assembly constituencies, including Karhal, head to bypolls today. This high-stakes election follows the resignation of MLAs who were elected to the Lok Sabha. Both parties have accused each other of voter intimidation, with SP leader Akhilesh Yadav alleging police interference, while BJP claims SP’s allegations reflect their defeatist mindset.