Central team to UP to probe Dalit's death due to hunger

New Delhi: Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Friday said a team will be sent to Bundelkhand to look into the alleged death of a dalit due to hunger in Banda district in Uttar Pradesh.

Responding to the issue of the alleged death raised by Prabhat Jha (BJP) during Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, Paswan said Food Security Act has been implemented in the country, except two poll-bound states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

He expressed surprise that when 100 percent foodgrains are lifted for distribution at subsidised rates, how can a person die of hunger.

"We will send a team (Bundelkhand)," he said, adding that earlier a team was also sent to Bihar.

The team, Paswan said, will also find out since when foodgrains were not being given to the affected family.

Earlier, Jha said Kanhaiya, a dalit, had died of hunger in Banda district and police was trying to hush up the case. "Why is no one shedding tears on his death," he said.

Jha said Muni Devi, widow of the victim, has given a statement that her husband died of hunger. She also alleged that there was pressure on the family to complete the last rites of the victim.

Kumari Mayawati (BSP) said Kanhaiya's case was not an isolated incident. According to her, there have been murders in Bundelkhand and several others too have died of hunger. She also demanded that Centre should send a team there.