Dangawas Six-Murder Case Verdict: All Accused Acquitted; Justice or Injustice?
Jaipur, 7 August 2026: The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Rajasthan, expresses deep concern and disappointment over the judgment delivered on 5 August 2026 by the Special Court, Merta, in connection with the horrific caste violence and mass killings that took place in Dangawas, Nagaur district, in 2015.
This is the case in which 40 accused were prosecuted under the Indian Penal Code and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for allegedly carrying out a planned and violent attack on members of the Meghwal community, a Scheduled Caste community. The allegations included arson, abuse and assault of women, forcible dispossession from land, and the killing of several people.
The Dangawas incident was not merely an isolated criminal occurrence; it was one of the most horrific instances of collective violence against Dalits in Rajasthan’s recent history. According to the FIR, the CBI investigation, and the prosecution’s case before the court, a large group of people allegedly attacked members of the Meghwal community in the name of removing encroachment from disputed land. The allegations included the use of casteist abuse, destruction and burning of houses and huts, and the killing and grievous injury of several people.
PUCL believes that if, despite such an extensive investigation, a CBI inquiry, a large number of eyewitnesses, medical evidence and documentary material placed before the court, the victims are still unable to obtain justice, it raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in the country. It also risks sending a deeply disturbing message to the Dalit community that even in cases of organised caste violence, securing justice remains extremely difficult.
We wish to make it clear that criticism of a judicial decision does not amount to disrespect for the judiciary. In a democratic system, constitutional and factual scrutiny of judicial decisions is a legitimate right of civil society. If the victims feel that they have been denied justice by the judgment, they have every right to approach the High Court and, thereafter, the Supreme Court.
PUCL Rajasthan demands that the State Government and the CBI undertake an immediate and thorough legal examination of the judgment and file an appeal before the High Court without delay. The victim families must also be provided effective legal assistance, security and rehabilitation so that they are able to pursue the further legal battle for justice.
PUCL Rajasthan expresses its solidarity with the victim families and reiterates its commitment to stand with them in their continuing struggle for justice.
Kavita Srivastava
National President, PUCL
Bhanwar Meghwanshi
National Secretary, PUCL
Dr. Anant Bhatnagar
State President, PUCL Rajasthan
Dr. Rajesh Chaudhary & Pragya Joshi
State General Secretaries, PUCL Rajasthan