In a shocking incident, an 11-year-old Dalit child labourer was shot dead allegedly by a customer for refusing to wash plates at a roadside eatery in neighbouring Shamli district, police said today.

The accused Jagpal had gone to the eatery to have his food yesterday and asked the boy to wash plates for him. The child victim, who worked at the eatery refused to do so, following which the man shot at him, Deputy Superintendent of Police Prakash Kumar told reporters here today.

Police has registered a case against Jagpal under sections of the IPC as well as the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act in this connection.

While the accused is absconding, the body of the victim has been sent for a post-mortem, police said.