Article 15 2019

Arrival in Lalganj

Ayan Ranjan, a recent graduate, arrives in the village of Lalganj to take on his responsibilities as District Collector. His arrival is met with mixed reactions from the locals, marking the beginning of his journey into the complexities of caste dynamics in the region.

Brutal Incident

The joyous atmosphere in Lalganj is shattered when three Dalit girls are brutally assaulted in a school bus by a group of men. This horrific incident raises alarms within the community and sets the tone for the challenges Ayan will face.

Caste Discrimination Experienced

On his first day at work, Ayan experiences the harsh reality of caste discrimination. He is denied water from a local shop and faces patronizing treatment during a welcome party, illustrating the deep-rooted prejudices in the community.

Discovery of the Bodies

Ayan is confronted with the grim discovery of the bodies of the assaulted girls hanging from a tree, while the third victim, Pooja, remains unaccounted for. This tragic event escalates Ayan's determination to seek justice.

Forensic Examination

Forensic expert Dr. Malti Ram conducts a postmortem examination and uncovers evidence of sexual assault on the deceased girls. However, under pressure from Bhramadatt, she is coerced into altering her report to misrepresent the incident.

Nishaad's Retaliation

In response to the tragedy, Nishaad, a local revolutionary, takes a stand against Jatav and his men, escalating tensions within the village. His actions reflect the growing unrest as Ayan witnesses the divisions caused by caste discrimination.

Gaura's Revelation

Ayan meets with Gaura, a relative of the victims, who sheds light on the girls' struggles for a pay raise from their employer, Anshul Naharia. This information compels Ayan to dig deeper into the circumstances surrounding their tragic fate.

Confrontation with Anshul Naharia

During the interrogation of Anshul, the local builder, Ayan is met with chilling indifference. Anshul's dismissive remark, 'Their status is what we give them,' ignites Ayan's resolve to combat the systemic oppression ingrained in society.

Reminding of Article 15

In a bold move to confront caste discrimination, Ayan displays a reminder of Article 15 of the Indian Constitution in the police station. This act demonstrates his commitment to justice and equality in the face of deep-rooted societal norms.

DNA Test Results

Ayan's persistence in the investigation leads to the arrangement of a DNA test, which links Anshul to the sexual assaults. However, he continues to face significant obstacles from the local authorities determined to obstruct the truth.

Seeking Support from Nishaad

In a desperate attempt to further his cause, Ayan reaches out to Nishaad for support. He understands that mobilizing the disenfranchised Dalit villagers is crucial for confronting the oppressive forces undermining their quest for justice.

Involvement of the CBI

With pressure mounting, Ayan escalates the investigation to involve the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The arrival of Investigator Panikar signifies a turning point, as deeper layers of corruption begin to unravel.

Bhramadatt's Complicity Uncovered

As the investigation progresses, it is revealed that Bhramadatt is not only complicit in covering up the incident but also directly involved in the horrific acts against the girls. This discovery brings Ayan closer to obtaining justice.

Arrest of Bhramadatt

Through persistent efforts and testimonies from old acquaintances, Ayan gathers substantial evidence to arrest Bhramadatt. This pivotal moment marks a significant stride towards justice for the victims and their families.