Dalit Girls Found Hanging in UP Village

Two Dalit girls, aged 15 and 18, were found hanging from a mango tree in Bhagautipur village, Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, prompting an investigation that has drawn sharp criticism and demands for a thorough probe from opposition parties. While the police, led by Superintendent Alok Priyadarshi, suggest that the deaths may be suicides, the families of the girls suspect foul play, arguing that the use of a single dupatta for both hangings is suspicious. No injuries or signs of sexual assault were found during the initial post-mortem, though further analysis of vaginal swabs is pending. The girls had gone to attend Janmashtami celebrations the previous night and were last seen around 9 pm. A mobile phone and a SIM card were recovered at the scene, and forensic teams are examining these items for additional clues. Opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, have called for an impartial and prompt investigation to address concerns over women's safety in the state.