Madhya Pradesh: Dalit man was harassed for sitting on a chair, case of caste harassment registered

After filing a police complaint, when Ashok returned from the police station, some people attacked his house and broke the door. During this, he was warned that “you have complained to the police, be ready to face the consequences.”

Published on: 15 Nov 2024, 2:04 pm

Bhopal. A serious case of caste discrimination and harassment has come to light in Chitai Purva village of Mauganj district of Madhya Pradesh. The video of a dispute over a Dalit youth sitting on a chair is becoming increasingly viral on social media. In the video, alleged caste abuse can be seen with Scheduled Caste youth Ashok Saket. Ashok says that when he was sitting on a chair outside his house, Mayank Dwivedi of the village saw him and abused him with caste-related language.

What is the whole matter?

This incident is from Chitai Purva village under Laur police station area of ​​Mauganj district. Ashok Saket belongs to the Scheduled Caste and was sitting on a chair outside his house on the morning of November 10. At that time Mayank Dwivedi of the village passed by there. Mayank got angry when Ashok sat there and he started abusing Ashok. Mayank said to Ashok, “You belong to a low caste, you have no right to sit on a chair in front of us.”

Ashok replied to this by saying that he is sitting outside his house and no one should have any problem with this. On this, Mayank got more angry and started abusing Ashok using casteist words. Ashok lodged a complaint with the police and after the video of this incident went viral, this matter has come into discussion.

Police also accused of misbehavior!

Ashok Saket lodged a police complaint in this matter, but he has also accused the police of misbehavior. Ashok said that when he went to Laur police station to lodge a complaint, the policemen present there also used casteist words against him and insulted him. Later, however, the complaint was accepted and an FIR was registered.

Talking to The Muknayak about this matter, Ashok said, “When I reached the police station to lodge a complaint, the police did not take my complaint seriously and instead started accusing me and using casteist words. After this, an FIR was registered, but the attitude of the police was very hurtful for me.”

Dalit family attacked after FIR

Ashok Saket said that after filing the FIR, some unknown people vandalized his house and threatened him. On Thursday evening, when Ashok returned from the police station, some people attacked his house and broke the door. During this, he was warned that “You have complained to the police, be ready to face the consequences.” Ashok’s family has demanded action from the police on this incident.

Reaction of Dalit leaders

State President of Scheduled Caste (SC) Congress Pradeep Ahirwar has reacted to this incident. Pradeep Ahirwar said, “Even today, cases of caste-based oppression are constantly coming to light in the state. This incident is extremely unfortunate and it is clear from this that casteism and discrimination still have deep roots in society. The government should take strict action against the culprits in such cases so that such incidents do not happen in the future.”

this is the legal provision

The Constitution of India has strict provisions against caste discrimination. Article 17 of the Constitution provides for the abolition of untouchability, which considers caste discrimination a crime. Apart from this, under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, any kind of caste-based behavior and harassment can be severely punished. Under this Act, crimes like caste-based insult, physical assault, damage to property are considered cognizable and there is a provision for strict punishment for it.

Social organization demanded action

Dalit organizations and social workers have also reacted after this incident. They have demanded to spread awareness in the society and provide justice to the victims to end incidents of caste oppression. These organizations say that such incidents can be ended not only by law but also by social awareness and sensitivity. The video of this incident is rapidly going viral on social media.

Police is investigating

According to Mauganj police, they have registered an FIR in this case and the matter is being investigated. Talking to The Mooknayak, Superintendent of Police Rasna Thakur said, “Strict action will be taken against the culprits. A case has been registered. No complaint of misbehavior with the victim by the police personnel has been received so far. If this has happened, then action will be taken as per the rules.”