Villagers in Khansyun, Bhimtal area, held a protest on Tuesday, expressing anger and demanding justice over the death of a young man. The demonstration took place in front of Khansyun police station under the leadership of local duty-holder Harish Paneru.
Our correspondent reports that the victim, named Jitendra Bohra, was found dead by the roadside four months ago. His family and neighbours say his body was discovered without clear cause, and they suspect foul play. Their demands for clarity and action have gone unanswered so far.
During the protest, Paneru and others accused the local police of ignoring their repeated pleas to investigate the case thoroughly. “Four months have passed and still no autopsy or lie detector test has been completed,” Paneru told the gathering. The villagers announced that if the case isn’t resolved within ten days, they would stage a sit-in at the SSP office in Haldwani.
Our correspondent adds that tension was high during the protest. Slogans were raised against perceived police inaction and demands were made for stronger forensic investigation. Notable locals present included Deepak Durgapal, Sanjay Nainwal, Vikram Bisht, Lalit Melkani, Rajesh Nainwal, Neeraj Bohra, Pappu Bohra, Puran Khannwal, Bhavan Singh, Vijay Bohra, Pankaj Pargani, and Prakash Durgapal.
In response, SP City Dr. Jagdish Chandra communicated over phone that a lie detector test will be carried out within the next ten days. He assured villagers that the death will be investigated seriously.
Our correspondent reports that this incident has revived wider concerns in Khansyun about delayed investigations and lack of accountability when citizens press for justice. Many believe that rural cases like this often suffer from lower priority and fewer resources.
Our correspondent adds that with public sentiment strong, local pressure on law enforcement is intense. Elders in the community expressed fear that protests will escalate if the promised tests aren’t done. The case is being watched by neighbouring villages, many of whom fear a similar lack of response in their own grievance cases.
