Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) national president Mayawati has expressed serious concern over the acquittal of most of the accused in the infamous Una Dalit atrocity case in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district. She said the state government should vigorously plead in the High Court to ensure justice for the victim families and make every effort to ensure that all the perpetrators are punished severely.

Concern expressed over acquittal of accused

Mayawati said on the social media platform “X” that the families of the victims are forced to approach the High Court for justice after a local court acquitted most of the accused in the 2016 Una atrocity case in March 2026. She said that the economic and legal challenges have made the victims’ families’ fight even more difficult, causing deep concern in the Bahujan community.

Mayawati herself had reached to meet the victims

The BSP chief said that after the incident, she personally visited Una to meet with the families of the victims and, after assessing the situation, demanded that the state government take strict action against the culprits. She said that the acquittal of 35 out of 40 accused, despite nationwide protests and outrage, is deeply concerning.

Questions raised on the role of the government

Mayawati alleged that the outcome of this case reflects the government’s apathy toward Dalits and its negligence toward their interests and safety. She said there is still time for the Gujarat government to correct its mistake, effectively plead the case in the High Court, and take concrete steps to punish the culprits.

There is also a demand for free legal aid.

The BSP chief said the state government should provide competent lawyers at public expense to the satisfaction of the victim’s families. She recalled that during her government in Uttar Pradesh, a legal provision was made to provide free legal aid to the poor. According to her, such a system would help victim families obtain justice and also curb such crimes in the future.