Why Were Four Arrested for Assaulting a Dalit Youth in Katni?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four individuals arrested for the assault of a Dalit youth.
- Incident linked to an old dispute regarding illegal gravel mining.
- Victim filed a formal complaint after receiving medical treatment.
- Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case.
- Importance of addressing caste-based violence in rural areas.
Katni, Oct 27 (NationPress) Four individuals, including a village Sarpanch, have been detained in connection with the assault of a Dalit youth in Madhya Pradesh's Katni district, according to police reports on Monday.
The suspects were apprehended during the night between Sunday and Monday on a highway. All four had been evading capture since the incident occurred on October 13.
"We received intelligence regarding the location of the four suspects, and they were arrested late on Sunday night on a highway. They will be presented in court following further interrogation," stated Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Santosh Dehariya.
Upon questioning, the detained individuals claimed that the assault stemmed from a long-standing dispute in their village.
"The accused have refuted claims of forcing the victim to consume urine. Nonetheless, our investigation is ongoing," a police spokesperson mentioned.
This incident transpired on October 13 in Matwara Village, located approximately 45 kilometers from the district headquarters, under the jurisdiction of the Bahoriband police station.
In a formal complaint, the victim, Rajkumar Chaudhary, alleged that he was attacked by four individuals, including village Sarpanch Ramanuj Pandey and his relatives, who physically assaulted him, hurled insults, and attempted to coerce him into drinking urine.
Chaudhary claimed the assault occurred after he protested against illegal gravel mining activities on government land adjacent to his farm.
He asserted that the mining was being conducted under the supervision of village Sarpanch Ramanuj Pandey and his associates.
Following the assault, Chaudhary sought medical attention at a government hospital and subsequently filed a complaint with the Katni Superintendent of Police.