MEERUT, July 11 -- Security has been significantly tightened in a village under the Rohta police station area following the murder of a student from Dalit community, with authorities sealing all major entry points to restrict the access of outsiders, political leaders and the media. According to officials, the lockdown aims to prevent further escalation of tensions following intense protests earlier this week.

The body of a 20-year-old student was found in a sugarcane field in Meerut on May 17. While police have arrested the prime accused in connection with her death, locals and Dalit organisations, outraged by the perceived lack of prompt action, gathered at the Meerut Collectorate on Thursday to demand justice and the arrest of remaini...