Kunj Bihari, a 35-year-old resident of Rampur Nayagaon, had gone on 23 August to recover money owed for building materials from a local man, Himalaya Pandey. There, he was allegedly beaten by Pandey, Abhishek Pandey, and their associates. He was admitted to Mary Gold Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on 26 August.
Family members allege that police did not allow them to see the body, lathi-charged the crowd, and later filed false cases against several locals. Despite repeated appeals to the District Magistrate, SSP, and Chief Minister, no action has been taken against the accused. The protestors are demanding compensation for the family of Kunj Bihari Nishad, withdrawal of false cases against local residents, and justice for the victims.
Those who will join the hunger strike include Bajrangi Lal Nishad of Shahri Gareeb Morcha, Ramchandra Nishad (father of Kunj Bihari Nishad), Rinki Nishad (wife of Kunj Bihari Nishad), and five local residents. They stated that the fast will continue until the administration fulfills their demands.
CPI(ML) State Standing Committee member Rajesh Sahni said that the district administration must abandon its discriminatory attitude and take immediate steps to ensure justice. He also called upon all social and political organizations to join this struggle for justice.
The protest noted that the fight is not only for one family’s justice but for the dignity and safety of all working-class residents of Gorakhpur’s urban poor settlements.
