Police Arrest Three As Dalit Woman’s Tragic Death In Ayodhya Sparks Outrage Ahead Of Milkipur Bypolls

The police in Ayodhya have taken three individuals into custody concerning the alleged rape and murder of a 22-year-old Dalit woman, whose naked body was discovered near a canal over the weekend, reported Times Of India.

The case has ignited a political controversy ahead of the 5 February bypolls in Milkipur, a constituency reserved for Scheduled Castes in the district.

The woman had been missing since Thursday night (30 January), and her family reported her disappearance at the Ayodhya police station on Friday (31 January). 

Tragically, her brother-in-law discovered her body the following morning, approximately 500 metres from her home. The autopsy report indicated that the victim succumbed to shock and haemorrhage, while forensic teams have collected samples to ascertain any evidence of sexual assault.

The incident has drawn strong political reactions, with opposition parties holding the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government accountable for an alleged breakdown in law and order. 

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing a rally in Milkipur, responded sharply to the criticism and hinted at a potential link to the Samajwadi Party. 

"Remember the crime with the Dalit daughter in Ayodhya. When the investigation goes to the bottom, the involvement of some or the other beast of SP will surely be known," he stated quoted as saying by Times Of India.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police Raj Karan Nayyar confirmed that two suspects had been detained based on CCTV footage and intelligence inputs. 

"The culprits will be arrested soon," he assured. Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.