The flames that engulfed Neelam inside her own home have ignited an entire valley
Munish Sood
Mandi
What began as a horrifying incident in the Tungel area of Kotli sub-division in Mandi district has now turned into a fierce and emotional public movement. Neelam, who was allegedly burned alive inside her house, battled for nearly 10–12 days at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), Chandigarh. Before reaching there, she was shifted from Kotli hospital to Mandi and then Nerchowk as her condition worsened.
When she arrived at PGI, protestors allege her body told a chilling story — not just severe burn injuries, but both legs completely fractured.
She never returned home.
She left behind two small children.
Bhaskar Thakur: The Man Who Witnessed Her Final Fight
The movement did not begin on the streets. It began in a hospital corridor.
Bhaskar Thakur was the man who accompanied Neelam to PGI Chandigarh and stayed there for five days until she d*ied.
“I saw her struggle every moment,” Bhaskar said, his voice heavy with pain. “She was fighting for her children. The injuries I saw — no one can convince me this was simple. If she could not speak properly, we will speak for her.”
After her death, Bhaskar returned to Kotli and single-handedly called for a protest. At first, he stood alone. Then villagers joined. By Monday, hundreds marched from New Bus Stand Kotli to the SDM office, raising slogans for justice. Women outnumbered men, turning the rally into a powerful statement of collective fear and resistance.
“This is not politics,” Bhaskar declared. “This is about a daughter of Tungel Valley. We will not allow her story to be buried.”
Ajay Thakur: A Roar Against Silence
Addressing the massive gathering, Ajay Thakur delivered a hard-hitting speech that shook the valley’s conscience.
“We have become cowardly and numb,” he said bluntly. “Everyone believes Bhagat Singh should be born in someone else’s house. Because it is someone else’s daughter burning today, people hesitate to step out.”
He warned that if society remains silent now, tomorrow another daughter could face the same fate. Thakur also raised serious allegations regarding the accused husband’s alleged past, including earlier complaints of domestic violence and a pending case involving threats of an acid attack.
“I do not need applause,” he told the crowd. “What we need is accountability. The accused must face the strictest action.”
He called for unity, courage and a complete social awakening against injustice.
Prof. Anupama Singh: Questions That Cannot Be Ignored
Professor Anupama Singh ensured the movement remained organized and peaceful. She revealed that prior information about the rally had been formally given to the administration and time had been sought to submit a memorandum.
However, when protestors reached the SDM office, SDM Jagdish Chand was not present despite prior notice. After being contacted, he arrived approximately 20–25 minutes later.
Prof. Singh stated, “We had informed the administration in advance. Such delay raises questions about seriousness.”
Upon arrival, the SDM accepted the memorandum and assured the protestors that it would be forwarded to the government. He further stated that Kotli Chowki in-charge Inspector Brijbhushan Sharma would be instructed to ensure vigilance and speed in the investigation. He assured that appropriate directions would be issued and that the matter would be examined thoroughly.
Yet, the absence at the scheduled time left many in the crowd uneasy.
Rajesh Kapoor: A Valley United Beyond Divides
Finally, social worker Rajesh Kapoor addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the massive turnout reflected a united society.
“When hundreds gather peacefully, it shows that injustice has crossed limits,” Kapoor said. “This is not a fight of one family. This is a fight for every daughter.”
In a rare moment of unity, villagers from Neelam’s maternal home and members of her marital village, Surari Panchayat, stood together. Both sides openly stated that Neelam had faced brutality and must receive justice.
Former Panchayat Pradhan Pooja Devi said no formal complaint had reached her earlier but demanded an impartial investigation. Several locals, including Devi Chand, Chaman Lal, Yograj, Rakesh Kumar, Dilip Singh, Kusum Devi, Megh Singh and Laxman Dass, stood in solidarity.
Police Response — And Lingering Doubts
Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar has stated that law is taking its course and that Neelam’s husband has been arrested. He confirmed that the investigation is being conducted from all angles. The victim’s parents have also met the Governor seeking justice.
Still, the valley continues to ask:
• Who poured petrol on Neelam?
• How were her legs completely fractured?
• How was her statement recorded at PGI shortly before her death?
• In what physical condition did she allegedly speak of suicide?
• What is the full truth behind this alleged self-immolation?
Protestors have openly rejected the initial police theory and demanded transparency.
A Valley That Refuses to Stay Silent
As candles flickered in the mountain air of Kotli, two children stood motherless. Grief turned into resolve.
Bhaskar Thakur stood at the front — the man who saw her last breath.
Ajay Thakur roared against social cowardice.
Prof. Anupama Singh demanded accountability.
Rajesh Kapoor called for unity.
Together, they declared:
“This movement will continue — peacefully but relentlessly — until Neelam receives justice.”
In Tungel Valley, this is no longer just a tragic d*eath.
