Are Dalit Families in Sagar Facing Atrocities from Rajput Communities Over Diwali Celebrations?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dalit families in Sagar allege violence from Rajputs.
- Women and children feel unsafe in their homes.
- Complaints have been filed with the police.
- Social tensions between communities are rising.
- Urgent measures are needed to protect marginalized groups.
Sagar, Oct 24 (NationPress) Residents from Dalit families in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district have reported that members of the Rajput (Kshatriya) community forcefully entered their homes and assaulted them following a disagreement over the use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations.
The incident took place in Kesli village and was brought to light when several Dalit individuals, including women, approached the Superintendent of Police (SP) to lodge a formal complaint on Thursday.
One of the complainants mentioned that children from Dalit households were celebrating Diwali by bursting firecrackers, which angered a local Thakur family.
"They invaded our homes, attacked us, and even directed inappropriate behavior towards the women, using abusive language and issuing threats," the complainant recounted.
A video circulating on social media features a Dalit woman, Pinki Ahirwar, expressing her distress about the safety of women in the area, highlighting the ongoing harassment faced by Dalit women and children in Kesli village.
In the video, she implores Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, asking, "Where should Dalit women in Kesli village seek refuge to ensure their safety?"
"The Rajputs are entering our homes, disrespecting us, and compromising our dignity. Chief Minister, please guide us on where we can hide for our safety, as the Ladli Behnas are not secure here," she pleaded in the recording.
A police official from the Sagar SP's office confirmed to IANS that the complaints have been logged, and local law enforcement has been instructed to initiate an investigation.
This incident occurred just three days after a separate case where a Dalit man was allegedly kidnapped, assaulted, and forced to consume urine by three assailants in Gwalior. The victim, identified as Sonu Barua from Bhind district, was targeted after he declined a driving job.
Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Pathak stated after visiting the victim in the hospital that a formal report (FIR) has been filed, leading to the arrest of the three suspects who have been remanded to custody.
"Some men from his village brought him to Bhind and assaulted him. We've registered a case, and three individuals have been apprehended," he affirmed.