Shahada, Nandurbar, January 7, 2025- Shahada, Maloni, and Lonkheda witnessed a complete shutdown on January 6 in protest against the brutal murder of Deepali Sagar Chitte, a 23-year-old woman from Maloni. The bandh, called by local organizations, saw widespread participation as residents demanded justice for the victim. Schools, colleges, and businesses remained closed, except for essential services. Life in the area was significantly impacted as authorities heightened security to maintain order.
The case, registered under sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, charges three accused—Hamid Qureshi, Rijju Muslim Qureshi, and Vidhi Sangharsh Balika—with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The accused are in police custody until January 8, as investigations continue.(Nandurbar News)
Deepali Chitte was reportedly assaulted over a minor dispute and succumbed to her injuries on January 4 while undergoing treatment at a Surat hospital. Her last rites were performed on January 6 at Amardham in Lonkheda amidst heavy police deployment, with hundreds of citizens and relatives in attendance.
The bandh was observed peacefully, with people of all faiths closing their establishments to show solidarity. Additional police forces were deployed across sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incidents. Senior officers, including Sub-Divisional Superintendent of Police Datta Pawar, received a memorandum from protestors demanding strict action against the accused. (Nandurbar Latest News)
With the bandh concluded, schools and hospitals have reopened, and normalcy is slowly returning to the region. However, the community remains resolute in seeking justice for Deepali, urging swift and exemplary punishment for the culprits.
This tragic incident has brought the community together in grief and protest, highlighting the urgent need for measures to ensure the safety and dignity of women.