Shajapur (MP) Aug 05: Twenty-six persons have been sentenced to life imprisonment by a special court here on the charge of killing a Dalit at Latahedi village in neighbouring Rajgarh district over land dispute. Special judge J K Jain yesterday also ordered one year jail term each to 28 other persons for encroaching on the agricultural land for grazing by cattle in the area, according to prosecution.

Ghishalal, a Dalit, whose crop was destroyed by domestic animals, including cattle for grazing purpose, was killed during conflicts over land disputes, on August 12 last year.

Widespread discontent was triggered by distribution of agricultural land to Dalits with other sections of the society expressing opposition to the move. Bureau Report