The Maharashtra Government has announced that it would set up a fast track court to deliver swift justice in the Bhandara killings. Four members of a Dalit family were killed in Bhandara district a month ago because they did not allow the upper caste villagers to build a road over their field.

Political pressure is building up on the Maharashtra Government. Faced with strong protests from Dalit groups,  Deputy Chief Minister RR Patil announced on 9 November 2006 that a fast track court would be set up to ensure swift justice in the Bhandara killings.

Forty-four people have been arrested in connection with the murders. All the accused have been charged with murder.

Panel to examine Atrocities Act

Faced with strong criticism over its delayed response, the Government also announced the setting up of a committee to examine lacunae in a law that seeks to prevent atrocities against Dalits in the State. The panel would be headed by a retired High Court judge, Patil said.

The panel would examine the Atrocities (Prevention) Act and submit a report within six months. Thereafter, the government would make necessary changes in the law to make it more effective, the Deputy Chief Minister said. If needed, a separate legislation on the issue could be considered to deter and prevent atrocities on Dalits, he added.

44 people arrested

Protests over the murder of a Dalit family in Maharashtra have finally had an impact with 44 people being arrested in Bhandara. The people have been arrested for allegedly killing a Dalit woman and three children because the family refused to let upper caste villagers build a road through their fields.